State Highway 36, between Tauranga and Rotorua, will be closed overnight next week. Photo / 123RF
State Highway 36, between Tauranga and Rotorua, will be closed overnight next week. Photo / 123RF
People travelling on State Highway 36 are advised to plan for overnight closures next week through the Mangorewa Gorge, lane restrictions on Tauranga Direct Road, and rebuilding work at Ngongotahā.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said SH36 would be closed overnight between Pyes Pa Rd and Hamurana Rd to completeurgent repairs in the Mangorewa Gorge.
The highway is expected to be closed from 8pm–6am on Tuesday, April 28, and Wednesday, April 29. If the work is not completed, it could also be closed on Thursday, April 30.
“Traffic management will be installed from 6pm, with the full closure in place from 8pm. Emergency services and resident access will be maintained,” NZTA said.
All other traffic will be detoured via SH33 and SH29/SH2/SH30/SH5.
From Wednesday, April 29, traffic will be reduced to one lane on SH36 Tauranga Direct Rd, about 1km north of the SH36/Hamurana Rd intersection, while a culvert is replaced as part of the Hauraki Stream Bridge replacement project.
The new bridge will be constructed on SH36, north of Hamurana. Photo / Google Maps
Shortly afterwards, traffic will be managed using temporary traffic signals and/or stop/go, along with:
When traffic management is first installed, NZTA warns that signal timings may take time to settle.
“Minor delays are expected, and motorists are asked to allow extra travel time and follow crew directions.”
Lane restrictions are expected to remain in place until construction is completed in early 2027.
SH36 Ngongotahā Rd rebuild
Rebuilding work continues on SH36 between Hood Road and Taui/Hall roads. Due to weather and scheduling changes, NZTA said a return to normal traffic flow was now expected by the end of this month.
- Weekdays (Monday 9am-Friday 4.30pm): Southbound (Rotorua‑bound) traffic will be detoured left onto Wikaraka Rd, then right onto Taui Rd, rejoining SH36 via a left‑turn only.
- Weekends (Friday 4.30pm–Monday 9am): The southbound lane remains open.
“Side‑road access from Taui, Hall, and Hood roads is left‑in/left‑out only. Northbound traffic can remain on SH36, with lane shifts and temporary speed limits in place.
“Delays are expected, and drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider alternative routes.”
