Cambridge Road Partial Closure in January Affects Local Commuters

Key Takeaways

• The State Highway 29 (SH29)/Cambridge Rd intersection will experience disruptions through January due to an intensive construction programme
• The construction programme, dubbed "Super January", will take advantage of lower traffic volumes to complete key stages of the intersection upgrade
• A short section of the northbound lane on Cambridge Road will be closed from January 3 to early February, with detours in place for Bethlehem-bound vehicles
• The construction work will include removing temporary sheet piles, earthworks, relocating utilities, road construction, and resurfacing
• The full upgrade is expected to be finished in 2027 and is aimed at delivering a safer and more efficient intersection for all road users

Introduction to the Construction Programme
The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has announced that January 2026 marks a major milestone for the Tauriko Enabling Works project, with crews using the quieter summer period to push ahead with key stages of the intersection upgrade at the State Highway 29 (SH29)/Cambridge Rd intersection. The agency has dubbed the effort "Super January", taking advantage of lower traffic volumes and the absence of school buses to complete as much work as possible during this period. Acting Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Darryl Coalter said that the programme includes removing temporary sheet piles, earthworks, relocating utilities, road construction, and resurfacing.

Disruptions and Detours
To complete the work safely, a short section of the northbound lane on Cambridge Road will be closed from Saturday, January 3, until early February. All Bethlehem-bound vehicles will need to detour via SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road or SH29A and Cameron Road. The southbound lane will remain open. Coalter acknowledged the disruption but said that crews would work extended hours to reduce the overall impact. The construction work will take place seven days a week, with some extended shifts from 7am to midnight and night works between 6pm and 5am. Residents and road users are advised to plan for alternative routes and to expect delays.

Progress of the Construction Work
The SH29/Cambridge Rd intersection upgrade began in late 2024 with the construction of a 210m retaining wall supported by temporary sheet piles. The first stage of removing those piles is already under way behind safety barriers, with no impact on traffic. Further removal work in early January will take place in a narrower section of Cambridge Rd, prompting the temporary lane closure. Once the January programme is completed, construction will move on to road widening and pavement works. The full upgrade is expected to be finished in 2027 and is aimed at delivering a safer and more efficient intersection for all road users.

Information for Road Users
Road users are advised to plan for alternative routes and to expect delays. The temporary closure of the northbound lane on Cambridge Road will require Bethlehem-bound vehicles to detour via SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road or SH29A and Cameron Road. The southbound lane will remain open, but there will be temporary speed limits in place, including a 60km/h limit on SH29 approaches and a 30km/h limit on Cambridge Rd near the work site. Resident access will be via detours, and vehicles exiting driveways within the closure must turn left onto SH29 and follow the detour. The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi appreciates the patience of residents and road users while they complete this important work.

Staying Informed
Road users can stay informed about the construction work and any updates on the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi website. The agency also provides traffic updates, and road users can follow them on Facebook and X. The Journey Planner tool is also available to help plan safe and enjoyable journeys. For more information, road users can call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49). By staying informed, road users can plan their routes and minimize disruptions caused by the construction work.

Conclusion
The intensive construction programme at the State Highway 29 (SH29)/Cambridge Rd intersection is a major milestone for the Tauriko Enabling Works project. While the work will cause disruptions, the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is working to minimize the impact by completing as much work as possible during the quieter summer period. By staying informed and planning alternative routes, road users can navigate the construction work and help ensure a safe and efficient intersection for all road users. The full upgrade is expected to be finished in 2027, and the agency appreciates the patience of residents and road users while they complete this important work.