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Repairs to State Highway 30A in Rotorua will restart next month with work to happen overnight, NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says.
The works were postponed last month after the agency came under heavy criticism for fully closing the road causing major congestion in the city.
The gridlock prompted stinginghref="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/rotorua-sh30a-roadworks-postponed-to-2026-as-mp-slams-nzta-for-road-closure/VM7U4YWZAZD65EPWY7IDFC7E5Q/" target="_self" rel="" title="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/rotorua-sh30a-roadworks-postponed-to-2026-as-mp-slams-nzta-for-road-closure/VM7U4YWZAZD65EPWY7IDFC7E5Q/"> rebukes from city leaders and a major backlash from businesses and residents.
NZTA said today the works will restart on January 19, taking place overnight using a sequence of road closures to minimise disruption.
The works will start on the eastbound lanes, between Te Ngae Rd and Hinemaru St, before moving to the westbound lanes and is expected to take up to three months, weather depending.
Bay of Plenty system manager Sandra King said they had listened to feedback and adjusted their plans to keep Rotorua moving.
“We acknowledge that our earlier plan to deliver these works using a full road closure didn’t fully consider the impact on traffic flows and the people of Rotorua.
“Over the past three weeks our team has worked closely with our contractor Higgins and Rotorua Lakes Council to develop a new approach that balances keeping traffic moving while completing the work safely and efficiently,” King said.
The roadworks on SH30A last month caused massive traffic congestion particularly in the eastern suburbs.
“Starting in mid-January and focusing first on the eastbound lanes helps reduce impacts on morning commuters and gives the community time to get used to the works before the school year starts.”
The road will remain open during the day with a temporary speed limit and drivers should expect an uneven surface with ramps at each end of the worksite.
Overnight closures will run from 7pm to 6am, allowing crews to work safely while minimising delays to people’s daily travel.
King said the pavement on SH30A had been patched for many years and required a full asphalt rebuild.
“As a key urban route, these repairs are a priority to prevent pavement failures next winter.”
Using partial closures meant the overall timeframe would take longer but would minimise delays to people’s daily travel, NZTA said.
The road also sits within an active geothermal zone, which affects the foundations and adds complexity to the job.
Before work begins, the team will carry out investigations to identify any potential issues, such as tomos, so these can be addressed before digging out the road.
