Key Takeaways
- The Cambridge Rd northbound lane will be closed 24/7 from January 3 to early February for intersection upgrade works.
- Detours will be in place, with Bethlehem-bound traffic able to use SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Rd or SH29A/Cameron Road.
- The southbound lane will remain open, but with temporary speed limits in place.
- The upgrade is expected to be completed in 2027 and will deliver a safer, more efficient intersection for all road users.
- Residents will still have access to their properties, but will need to use the detours and follow temporary traffic management plans.
Introduction to the Road Closure
The Cambridge Rd northbound lane will be closed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from Saturday, January 3, to early February, as part of a major intersection upgrade. This closure is necessary to allow for the safe removal of temporary sheet piles and the continuation of construction works on the 210-metre retaining wall. The closure will cause some disruption to traffic, but the project team is committed to working extended hours to minimize the impact. According to Coalter, the project manager, "We appreciate this would cause some disruption, so we’re committed to working extended hours to minimise the overall impact. This short-term inconvenience will mean less disruptions in the future."
Detour Information
During the closure, Bethlehem-bound traffic will need to use one of two detours. The first option is to use SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Rd, which will add approximately 15 minutes to journey times and incur a toll. The second option is to use SH29A and Cameron Rd, which will add around 22 minutes to journey times and is a free route. The southbound lane of Cambridge Rd will remain open, but traffic will need to be aware of temporary speed limits in place. The speed limit on SH29 approaches will be reduced to 60km/h, while the speed limit on Cambridge Rd near the work site will be reduced to 30km/h.
Construction Works and Timeline
The intersection upgrade began in late 2024 with the construction of a 210-metre retaining wall, supported by temporary sheet piles. The first stage of sheet pile removal is already underway behind safety barriers, with no traffic impact. In early January, removal will continue in the narrower section of Cambridge Rd, requiring the lane closure. Once the January works are complete, the team will focus on road widening and pavement construction. The full upgrade is expected to be completed in 2027 and will deliver a safer, more efficient intersection for all road users.
Traffic Management and Resident Access
The project team has put in place a range of traffic management measures to minimize the impact of the closure. Temporary speed limits will be in place, and traffic will be diverted around the work site. Residents will still have access to their properties, but will need to use the detours and follow temporary traffic management plans. Vehicles exiting driveways within the closure will need to turn left onto SH29 and follow the detour. The right-turn bay from Cambridge Rd to SH29 will also be closed, with traffic needing to turn left onto SH29 and use the SH29/SH36 roundabout to change direction.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The Cambridge Rd intersection upgrade is a major project that will deliver significant benefits to road users. While the closure of the northbound lane will cause some short-term disruption, the end result will be a safer, more efficient intersection that can handle increasing traffic volumes. The project team is committed to working extended hours to minimize the impact of the closure and ensure that the upgrade is completed as quickly as possible. With completion expected in 2027, road users can look forward to a improved travel experience in the future.
