North Island roads: Piarere roundabout approach roads to open next week

Construction on the new 60m roundabout in Piarere is approaching another milestone, with the first completed approach roads set to open.

The roundabout opened to traffic in September 2024, with two temporary approach roads in action while work continued on the two permanent approaches.

This change will see traffic from all three of the legs approaching the roundabout using it.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Waikato/Bay of Plenty acting regional manager of infrastructure delivery Bruce Waugh said road workers were making “great progress” and preparing to open the new and permanent SH1 (from Tīrau) and SH29 approaches in mid-December.

An aerial view of the Piarere roundabout. Photo / NZTA

“The temporary layout has operated well but we’re looking forward to the next phase, which is one step closer to a completed roundabout.”

Waugh said traffic would be moved on to the new approach roads during the day on December 17.

“We’re keeping the road open while the switch is made – no road closures or stop/go [checkpoints] are needed; however, motorists should prepare for minor delays in the area. We expect both roads to be opened by the end of the day.”

Before the switch, line marking will be undertaken under stop-go conditions on December 16 from 8pm to 4am (weather dependent).

Motorists should expect delays of around 10 minutes during this time.

The opening of these approaches will see the current tie-in road for Tīrau traffic become an access lane for nearby properties.

The temporary Hamilton approach road will remain in use while work continues on the permanent configuration, which is expected to be finished in early 2025.

All construction is on track to be completed in mid-2025. Once finished, the roundabout will improve efficiency, connectivity and safety on this very important high-volume route.

- SunLive