The repairs to the Bealey Bridge and one of its abutments will take about three months to mid-July and will involve some night-time full closures.

“Trucking company operators and other regular users of this highway are being kept closely informed,” said Lee Wright NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager. “Thanks to all drivers for building in extra time and being patient on this important link between the West Coast and Canterbury.”

Full road closure overnight Saturday 16 April to Sunday 17 April

There will be 20 minute closures from 8 pm to 10 pm on Saturday, 16 April, followed by a full road closure from 10 pm to 4 am, then 20 minutes closures after that between 4 am and 8 am Sunday morning.

At all other times

Traffic lights will control movements of vehicles at each end during the repairs and drivers will need to slow to 30km/h. There will be delays of up to ten minutes at a time. Overweight and over-dimension vehicles will still be permitted to use the bridge during the repairs as they normally would.

A temporary bridge

The Bealey Bridge repair works require the use of a temporary Bailey bridge on the West Coast side of the river. The temporary Bailey bridge will be built on the road verge and then swung into place on the night closure to reduce delays. (See Youtube link below.)

This will take the pressure off the bridge’s abutment for it to be repaired. Once it is repaired, the same process will operate in reverse with the Bailey bridge removed during an overnight closure and traffic redirected onto the existing bridge afterwards.

Bealey Bridge repair timeline and closure guideline

Repairs to the bridge start on Friday 15 April and will run until mid July.

For the night of 16 April– a Saturday night, there will be 20 minute closures from 8 pm to 10 pm followed by a full road closure from 10 pm to 4 am, then 20 minutes closures after that between 4 am and 8 am Sunday.

For the other nights over that weekend – 15 and 17 April, Friday and Sunday night, there will be 20 minute closures between 8 pm and 8 am.

In June and July there is likely to be a repeat of the night-time closures. These will be advertised closer to the dates.

• For Facebook updates see the NZ Transport Agency’s South Island Facebook pages or check the Twitter feeds for NZTA West Coast and Canterbury. (@NZTACWC )

History

The Bealey Bridge, 265 metres long, is about 9 km south-east of Arthur’s Pass village, across the Waimakariri River in the upper Waimakariri Valley. It was originally opened in 1936. Papers Past contains some interesting information about one way people got across the Waimakariri before the bridge existed – by ferry.

You Tube video of a Bailey bridge installation: Note this is using a cantilevering system to move the Bailey bridge into position, not the lift into place method that will be used on the Bealey Bridge’s temporary bridge, which will reduce delays. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOrGv8S5yjE&sns=em

The REA designation, which encompassed land between Te Ngae Road and the edge of Lake Rotorua has been lifted. It had been in place since 1963 as a response to Rotorua’s expected growth and potential traffic issues at that time.

Transport Agency Waikato/ Bay of Plenty Regional Director Harry Wilson says the REA was previously seen as the long term solution to ease congestion on Rotorua’s eastern corridor, however investigations have shown that the growth can be managed with upgrades to the existing route.

“Rotorua is a key connection point for road transport in the central and upper North Island, linking industries such as tourism and forestry with the Port of Tauranga,” Mr Wilson says.

“The city’s eastern corridor has long been identified as the location for the majority of future residential and employment development in Rotorua and the Transport Agency has been carrying out extensive investigations to find the best transport plan for this area’s future.

“These investigations show that we can continue to support growth and improve Rotorua’s congestion issues by upgrading State Highway 30/Te Ngae Road corridor and that the designation for the REA is no longer needed.

Mr Wilson says after undertaking a further detailed and in-depth review of all options the Transport Agency is confident that the decision to lift the designation of the REA is the right one.

“Lifting the designation allows the land to be used to support Council’s spatial planning and gives the community and developers certainty.

“The Transport Agency will continue to work with Rotorua Lakes Council to identify future improvements such as more four-laning and projects to separate state highway and local road traffic as Rotorua grows to ensure the corridor supports traffic volumes into the future.”

“For now, we plan to start work on the initial $24 million roading package which will focus on the eastern and central corridors with an upgrade to State Highway 30 / Te Ngae Road.

“This will include improvements at the Te Ngae and Tarawera Road intersection, four-laning a section of Te Ngae Road, and improved walking and cycling connections.”

“As part of this package State Highway 30A Amohau Street will be revoked and the ownership handed to Rotorua Lakes Council to support their CBD revitalisation strategy.

Mr Wilson says the package addresses current capacity issues and accommodates medium-term growth and the Transport Agency will work to identify the future growth triggers for further investment.

The $24 million package of work comes on the back of road improvements that are already underway or will start shortly such as $3.5 million worth of safety improvements on State Highway 30 and 33 between Tauranga and Rotorua, a $5.5 million investment for cycling and the $8.1 million Hemo Road roundabout which is due to get underway in April.

These works will be co-funded by the government through the Transport Agency and Rotorua Lakes Council, and includes funding from the Urban Cycling Fund.

From Monday 4 April until Friday 13 May, contractors will test ground conditions along the proposed route as well as in the wider project area of Onehunga, Penrose and Otahuhu.

The East West project is part of the government’s accelerated package of Auckland transport projects and was referred to by the Prime Minister, John Key, in January this year as one of the government’s top priorities and a project of national significance.

It is being delivered by the NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport to improve freight efficiency, commuter travel, public transport and walking and cycling options over the next 30 years.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highways Manager Brett Gliddon says the information will then be used to better understand the local environment.

“The more we know about ground conditions in the area, the more this can be used to develop the design for the project in more detail.”

Mr Gliddon says the testing work is in selected areas and the project team will be working closely with individual property owners and businesses to minimise any disruption while the work is set up and carried out.

“The testing involves drilling boreholes with a large rig machine, creating pits with a digger and installing probes into the ground. Contractors will set up the equipment and monitor the drilling machines.”

“A range of environmental specialists will also be walking the entire route to carry out initial surveys and sampling in the coming weeks. This work will measure what effects the project is likely to have on the surrounding environment and this information will be available in the middle of this year.”

The work will be carried out by the East West Link Alliance, made up of GHD, Beca, Buddle Findlay and the NZ Transport Agency. The Alliance which was formed this month will progress with preparing the consents and reports needed to support the Transport Agency’s application to lodge an application with the Environmental Protection Authority at the end of the year.

Together with Auckland Transport, the Transport Agency is also planning to start work later this year on a package of early improvements aimed at providing benefits to freight and motorists along SH20 and around Onehunga local roads, starting with four laning a section of Neilson Street.

For more information about the East West Link project, please visit www.nzta.govt.nz/east-west

Information about roadworks in the Wellington-Kāpiti region

Well maintained roads are an important part of keeping people safe.  While we aim to do this work with as little disruption as possible, we know that roadworks can be inconvenient.  Thanks for your patience and understanding while we do this important work.

Please drive carefully through work sites and stick to the temporary speed limits.  If you’re driving around the Wellington region, roadworks on the state highway network may affect your travel plans.

Below is a quick outline of the major works planned for the coming week starting 4 April 2016 . 4 April 2016.  We’ll keep you posted on future works and have regular updates on local radio stations. 

State Highway 1

State Highway 2

Please allow extra time for your journey if you are travelling through the Wairarapa over the coming weeks, as there are multiple work sites.  Keep to the temporary speed limit for your safety and the safety of our work crews.  Allow plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front to minimize the risk of damage to your windscreen and paintwork.

State Highway 58

NOTE: If bad weather should strike, work will be postponed to the next suitable night.

This page gives you a sample of what the Motochek queries look like.

Query results

Results from immediate queries are shown on your screen a few seconds after your query has been submitted. Data returned in query results is dependant on your level of access (authorised or standard).

To perform an immediate query, a query option must be selected, and a plate or vehicle identification number (VIN) entered to allow your request to be processed.

Once your request has been processed, your results will be returned.

Standard users

• Where the registered person of the vehicle is an individual, the name and address details are suppressed and will not be returned in the query results.

• If the registered person of the vehicle is a company, then company name and address will be returned.

Authorised users

• Where the registered person of the vehicle is an individual, the name and address details will be returned in the query results, except where the individual has opted out – in this instance data returned is as per the standard query results.

• If the registered person of the vehicle is a company, then company name and address will be returned. 

Download an query result example of authorised access data and standard access data.

Here you will find everything you need to know about 50MAX – what your vehicle will need to look like, who can help you certify your vehicle, what you need to apply and where you can travel.

On this page:

• 50MAX – am I eligible?

• 50MAX application form

• 50MAX map

• 50MAX book of maps

• 50MAX vehicle designs

• Frequently asked questions

What is 50MAX?

50MAX gives freight operators an option to carry increased payloads on parts of the network that, while economically important to New Zealand, are unable to carry high productivity motor vehicles (HPMVs).

Am I eligible for a 50MAX permit?

Find out if you are eligible for a 50MAX permit with our  50MAX chart .

50MAX application form

Apply for a 50MAX permit online

Please ensure you attach a completed 50MAX ready pro-forma and a  50MAX vehicle combination attribute sheet  for each combination to your application. The attributes check form needs to be completed and signed by a heavy vehicle specialist certifier.

View a list of approved  heavy vehicle specialist certifiers

If you have any problems with the application form, please contact us on  info50MAX@nzta.govt.nz .

Map of 50MAX routes

View our interactive 50MAX map

If you are having trouble viewing the interactive 50MAX map, or if you wish to print individual maps, please view the PDF maps below.

50MAX book of maps

• North Island 
• South Island

North Island maps

• Auckland 
• Bay of Plenty
• Gisborne
• Hawke's Bay
• Manawatu and Whanganui
• Northland 
• Taranaki
• Waikato
• Wellington 

South Island maps

• Canterbury
• Marlborough
• NelsonNelson
• OtagoOtago
• Southland
• Tasman
• West Coast

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50MAX vehicle designs

Below are specific details about the configurations and specifications for 50MAX vehicles.

22-metre B-train 50MAX 

Download 22-metre B-train 50MAX 

23-metre B-train 5680 50MAX 

Download 23-metre B-train 5680 50MAX 

23-metre B-train 5700 50MAX 

Download 23-metre B-train 5700 50MAX 

23-metre B-train long tractor 50MAX 

Download 23-metre B-train long tractor 50MAX 

23-metre B-train long trailer 50MAX 

Download 23-metre B-train long trailer 50MAX 

23-metre logging combination 50MAX 

Download 23-metre logging combination 50MAX

23-metre long drawbar 50MAX

  Download 23-metre long drawbar 50MAX 

23-metre truck & full trailer 50MAX 

Download 23-metre truck and trailer 50MAX

23-metre truck & long full trailer 50MAX 

Download 23-metre truck and long trailer 50MAX

50MAX permit for HPMV to exceed mass limits

23-metre log truck and full trailer – amendment 2014

By attaching this document to your existing 50MAX permit for HPMV to exceed mass limits for log truck and full trailer, this new 23 metre log truck and full trailer design replaces the existing design. Your existing design is now void. Note: This only applies to 50MAX.

New amendment 2014 pro-forma logging truck 23-metres

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Frequently asked questions

What is 50MAX?

50MAX is a new generation of truck that allows for safe and more efficient transport of freight goods. 50MAX trucks are slightly longer than standard 44-tonne vehicles, have an additional axle (9 in total) and can have a total weight of up to 50 tonnes.

Can retractable axles be fitted to my vehicle?

Retractable axles (including suspensions that transfer load from one axle to others outside of load sharing requirements) are not to be fitted, unless configured to only retract when the vehicle is unladen and meets all other legal requirements for retractable axles.  

Are 50MAX trucks replacing the standard 44 tonne trucks?

No. 50MAX is an option for industry to use if they choose. It gives operators another option to carry increased payloads on parts of the network that, while economically important to New Zealand, are unable to carry HPMVs.

Will I need a permit to operate a 50MAX truck?

Yes. The Transport Agency is accepting area-wide 50MAX permit applications for state highways nationwide and most local roads.

Apply for a 50MAX permit online

How long will it take before my permit is issued?

If all the right information has been included with your application it will be processed within five working days.

What gross mass is available under a 50MAX permit?

This depends on the axle spacing – please see table below. 

The shaded columns are the ones to use for the Class 1 table extension for 50MAX.

What about road user charges (RUC) – what do I need to know?

Anyone using New Zealand's roads contributes towards their upkeep. Most road users pay levies in the prices of their fuel. Others, such as drivers of light diesel vehicles and diesel-powered heavy vehicles such as trucks, pay through road user charges (RUC). You may be better off on another RUC type than the one you currently use.

Find out more about RUC

Can I take my 50MAX truck anywhere with my area-wide permit?

No. 50MAX permits will include a list of restricted areas. Please view our  online map for details on where you can and can't travel. This map is updated regularly, so 50MAX operators should always revisit the map before planning their route.

What about local roads in parts of the country that are not cleared on the map?

To drive on local roads that aren't cleared on the map, 50MAX operators will need to apply for higher mass HPMV route permits from local authorities. The local authorities that are not yet signed up for 50MAX can be found in the North Island/South Island 50MAX  book of maps, in the tables at the front of each document.

What are a 50MAX operator's obligations in relation to truck safety?

50MAX can improve road safety because of the reduction in truck trips to move the same amount of freight – fewer trucks on the road will mean a reduction in the crash risk.

50MAX trucks must meet the same high safety standards as other HPMVs, including increased resistance to roll over and the inclusion of electronic braking systems. A number of operators are investing in speed limiting, GPS monitoring, weight load cells, electronic stability control, electronic road-user charges and other safety measures. The Transport Agency recommends that all road transport operators consider the use of such available technology.

What do I need to apply?

There are specific requirements to apply for a 50MAX permit. You will need to:

1. have a 50MAX combination attribute check sheet completed by an approved certifier to confirm you have quality-assured 50MAX pro-forma vehicle

2. complete a 50MAX pro-forma diagram

3. complete the 50MAX web application.

What parts of the state highway are included?

All of the state highways have been assessed for 50MAX, and a number of ‘do not cross bridges’ have been identified. The full list can be found in the tables at the front of the North Island and South Island book of maps.

The Transport Agency is also delivering on a bridge strengthening plan and a number of key bridges are already being strengthened, or identified for strengthening to better support 50MAX and other HPMV. When these bridges become available the maps will be updated.

How do I know if there are changes to the network?

Check the maps on the website  at least monthly to pick up the calendar month update cycle. Urgent changes will be flagged on the road itself (eg during a flood or other event).

The agency also sends out a monthly 50MAX newsletter outlining the major changes occurring each month. If you are a 50MAX permit holder and not receiving this please contact  info50MAX@nzta.govt.nz or call us on 0800 699 000. 

Read past issues of 50MAX update , our 50MAX newsletter

Why do we need more different attribute sheets for the same vehicles?

One of the major causes of errors in HPMV applications was with the existing vehicle attribute check sheets. 50MAX has allowed new processes to be designed with the focus on quick turnaround and simple processing.

To simplify and speed up processing and provide clarity on vehicle performance the 50MAX combination check sheet was developed. The certifier (who is qualified to do this work) states the combination is suitable for 50MAX and confirms the correct gross mass for 50MAX use. This form can also be used for overlength applications.

Costs can be reduced for new vehicles by requesting your certifier to provide all the documentation at once (both individual and combination sheets that are appropriate).

Why are there different permits for the North and South Islands?

As freight journeys across the islands are logically split by the need to cross Cook Strait, it was decided to split the permits to better manage the size of maps and exception lists of bridges and structures, as well as providing the agency with better visibility of how 50MAX is being utilised.

What if part of the network is closed due to weather or another reason?

It is the responsibility of the operator/truck driver to obey all local and state highway restrictions in the normal way. The 50MAX permit is always secondary to any acute changes to route availability. You should check the local sources of journey information as well as for state highways, eg 08004HIGHWAYS and other website and communication channels.

Find more information about current highway conditions

What if I find restrictions on specific structures are really affecting my business?

If there are critical bottlenecks in the 50MAX network we need to know where they are and the demand for them. Please let us know using the  info50MAX@nzta.govt.nz email address.

How can I find out more about 50MAX?

You can email  info50MAX@nzta.govt.nz or call us on 0800 699 000.

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Watch videos about the project on the  NZ Transport Agency Youtube channel or you can view them here. You will need Flash Player to be able to watch the videos.

• M2PP Cycleway, Walkway, Bridleway and Footbridges
• M2PP Raumati Straights upgrade - January 2016
• MacKays to Peka Peka Expressway fly-through
• Bridges - February 2015
• First sections of expressway paving underway - March 2015
• DriveLive Kāpiti - April 2015
• Otaihanga Bridge time lapse - May 2015
• Planting - May 2015
• Pre-cast concrete ballet - June 2015
• Earthworks - July 2015
• Workforce development - August 2015
• Groundwater and stormwater - September 2015
• Dynamic compaction - October 2015

M2PP Raumati Straights Upgrade

 This month we take a look how the Raumati Straights Upgrade will smooth out the bumpy section of the highway between Mackays Crossing and Raumati, to ensure a smoother, safer, seamless connection between the M2PP Expressway and Tranmission Gully.

MacKays to Peka Peka Expressway fly-through

This video presents a visual perspective of the MacKays to Peka Peka route.

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Bridges - February 2015

Join the M2PP team onsite for a look behind the scenes at progress on their bridge structures. In total M2PP are building 17 new bridges in Kāpiti . 

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First sections of expressway paving underway - March 2015

Celebrate a major project milestone with us and find out what’s gone into getting the first sections of expressway paving underway. 

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DriveLive Kāpiti - April 2015

This month we catch up with the traffic management team to look at the science and smart technology behind DriveLive Kāpiti . An interactive site that shares real-time data and tells you exactly how long your journey will take you right now! 

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Otaihanga Bridge time lapse - May 2015

First Expressway Bridge beams go into place on wet and windy Kāpiti night!

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Planting - May 2015

This month we catch up the people behind the planning, planting and maintaining of over 1 million new eco-sourced plants that are being added to the Kāpiti landscape. 

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Pre-cast concrete ballet - June 2015

This month we catch up with the prima ballerinas of construction, our precast concrete crew, who’ve been casting some of the biggest beams and cross heads in the country! Rest assured, for a production of this scale, you’ve got to have big muscles!

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Earthworks - July 2015

This month we spent a day in the life of our local earthworks contractors Goodman’s – and see exactly what goes into moving over 3.5 million cubes of dirt!

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Workforce development - August 2015

This month we look at training and development across the job, and meet some of the people taking advantage of the opportunities being created by the project.

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Groundwater and stormwater - September 2015

So far this year, the Kāpiti Coast has had some of the driest and wettest weather on record so this month we take a look at how the expressway has been designed to handle storm and ground water.

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Dynamic compaction - October 2015

This month we look at one of the types of ground improvements we use to keep our bridges safe in the event of an earthquake.

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The new BNZ Centre is now the central city home of the NZ Transport City Agency in Christchurch

In February this year, the Transport Agency moved into new offices in the first of four co-located Government buildings being constructed in Christchurch.  Our new address is the BNZ Centre at 120 Hereford Street Christchurch. Our former office was located in the Airport Business Park in Russley Road. 

Southern Region Workplace Services Manager Barbara Wilkinson says the shift back into the CBD makes us far more accessible to our customers, with the new Christchurch bus exchange a short walk from our office.  

“Customers can do business with 9 different agencies in the BNZ Centre including ourselves. There will be greater opportunities once additional Government agencies move into the building next door later this year. ” 

Our Workplace Services team is at reception to meet and greet customers and provide great information about our services.  We have EFTPOS available to make payments and a free phone to talk with our contact centre. We also provide technical support and assistance.

Barbara says a new and energized environment, presents a unique opportunity for the Transport Agency to deliver even better service to our Canterbury customers.

Making it easy for customers to do business with us is a high priority for the Transport Agency. As part of that, we need to keep enhancing how we meet customer needs. Our Christchurch team are now in a much better position to do that from their new central City location she said.

What is bridge engineering self supervision (BESS)

Many older bridges and culverts through New Zealand were not designed for modern heavy vehicle axle weights. Consequently they are at more risk of damage from the extra weight, which in turn is a risk to both drivers of heavy vehicles and other road users.

To reduce these risks, we require overweight vehicles crossing bridges and culverts to be supervised by suitably qualified individuals. Drivers of heavy vehicles can be registered and approved to self-supervise crossings on certain bridges which would normally be supervised by an engineer. This is referred to as BESS.

BESS registration currently last for five years.

Applying for BESS registration

Drivers and companies wanting to become BESS-registered must complete the appropriate required Transport Agency application form. A company must be BESS-registered if it wishes to employ BESS-registered drivers.

Download the BESS driver application form (updated 2 March 2016)

Download the BESS company application form

The application form then needs to be sent to the overweight permit issuing officer (OPIO) in the driver's or company's region:

On receiving the application, the OPIO informs the Transport Agency National Office who carry out background checks on traffic and driving histories. 

Assessment requirements

Drivers are required to be assessed for unit standard 23436.

Contact details for the Transport Agency-approved assessors are listed below:

Assessors’ portal to e-BESS

I’m a manager/director of a heavy transport company. Is there any way I can monitor my employees?

BESS-registered drivers can be monitored through TORO (Transport Organisation Register Online).

Find out more about TORO

Renewing your bridge engineering self-supervision (BESS) registration

If you are are drivers whose full BESS registrations will expire soon, you can contact a NZ Transport Agency-approved BESS assessor to book a renewal course. Companies can also do this on their employees’ behalf. You can find the list of approved assessors above.

What to take to the renewal course

When you come to do the renewal course you will need to bring:

• your driver licence, and
• your BESS ID card.

If you don’t bring these you cannot sit the renewal course.

You must also be a holder of full (not provisional) BESS registration. The renewal application form can be completed at the time of the assessment.

When should I book into a renewal course?

We recommend that you book at least eight weeks before your card expires.

What happens after I do the renewal course?

Straight after you’ve done the course, the assessor will give you temporary renewal of BESS certification. Please ensure that you carry this certification with you at all times when driving on an overweight permit that requires BESS, until you receive your new BESS ID card.

Check your card’s expiry date

You must sit the renewal course before your card expires, as once it has expired, you no longer have BESS registration. You will then have to have a provisional driver trial period of six months.

If you have any questions, please call our contact centre .

For daily updated closure information click here.

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• Orewa northbound on ramp, 6 April (approx 8:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Northcote Road southbound off ramp, 5 April
• Esmonde Road southbound off ramp, 7 April
• Stafford Road northbound off ramp, 3 - 5 April
• Shelly Beach Road southbound off ramp, 6 - 7 April
• Curran Street northbound on ramp, 3 - 5 April

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (SH1 & SH16)

• (SH1) Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street and (SH16 Port) southbound link 3 - 4 April (approx 10:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• (SH1) Cook Street southbound off ramp, 6 April
• (SH1) Hobson Street southbound on ramp, 3 - 4 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• (SH1) northbound to (SH16 Port) eastbound link, 3 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• (SH16) eastbound to (SH1) southbound link, 3 - 4 April
• (SH1) Symonds Street southbound on ramp, 3 - 7 April

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• Greenlane southbound on ramp, 7 April
• Tecoma Street southbound on ramp, 7 April
• Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on ramp, 3 – 5 & 7 April
• Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound on ramp, 3 April
• Southbound lanes between Greenlane off ramp and Ellerslie-Panmure Highway on ramp, 7 April (approx 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• SEART northbound on ramp, 6 April
• Mt Wellington Highway southbound on ramp, 5 April
• Mt Wellington Highway northbound on ramp, 6 April
• Northbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off ramp and Ellerslie-Panmure Highway on ramp, 6 April (approx 10:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Southbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off ramp and Princes Street on ramp, 5 April (approx 10:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Princes Street northbound off ramp, 4 – 6 April
• Manukau southbound on ramp, 3 - 4 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 3 - 4 April
• Southbound lanes between Manukau off ramp and SH20 southbound link, 3 - 4 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Bombay northbound on ramp, 4 April
• Northbound lanes between Bombay off ramp and Ramarama on ramp, 4 April
• Ridge Road northbound off ramp, 6 - 7 April (approx 8:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Helenslee Road northbound on ramp, 6 - 7 April (approx 8:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• SH1 Northbound to SH2 eastbound Link, 6 - 7 April (approx 8:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• SH2 Westbound to SH1 northbound link, 6 - 7 April (approx 8:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Northbound lanes between Pokeno off ramp and Pokeno on ramp, 6 - 7 April (approx 8:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

• Lincoln Road eastbound on ramp, 5 - 7 April (approx 8:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Eastbound lanes between Lincoln Road off ramp and Te Atatu Peninsula on ramp, 5 - 7 April (approx 8:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Westbound lanes between Te Atatu Road off ramp and Lincoln Road on ramp, 3 - 4 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Te Atatu Road westbound on ramp, 3 - 4 April
• Te Atatu Road eastbound on ramp, 5 - 7 April
• Eastbound lanes between Patiki Road off ramp and SH1, 5 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Rosebank Road eastbound on ramp, 5 April
• Great North Road eastbound on ramp, 3 - 7 April
• Westbound lanes between St Lukes Road off ramp and Patiki Road on ramp, 5 - 7 April (approx 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Eastbound lanes between Great North Road off ramp and SH1, 3 – 4 & 6 - 7 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Great North Road westbound on ramp, 5 - 7 April
• Westbound lanes between St Lukes Road off ramp and Great North Road on ramp, 3 - 4 April (approx 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• St Lukes Road westbound on ramp, 3 - 7 April
• Western Springs eastbound on ramp, 3 - 7 April

Please follow the signposted detours. The Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

Updates on state highway conditions and hazards and get free email alerts on a specific route by signing up to www.onthemove.govt.nz

Auckland roads and public transport: www.at.govt.nz

Transport Agency work crews are out in force at the moment, making the most of the last of the warm, dry weather to maintain the state highways and progress projects such as the Waikato Expressway and Tauranga’s Maungatapu underpass.

Drivers are likely to encounter speed restrictions and other traffic management which may cause delays and should get in the habit of allowing extra time for their journeys.

People can get information on road works and detours in the region they are in, or travelling to by checking www.nzta.govt.nz/summerjourneys , by calling 0800 444 449 or following the Transport Agency on Facebook or Twitter.

Bay of Plenty travellers can also go to www.drivelive.nz/BayofPlenty, a dedicated website that tells drivers what the current travel times are to get to key places.

Roadworks that are scheduled to start in the next week or are currently underway are detailed below to help people plan ahead when travelling.

BAY OF PLENTY

SH29/ Taurikura Drive roundabout upgrade
Construction works are underway at the SH29/ Taurikura Dr roundabout and from Wednesday April 6, this will affect traffic on SH29 between Tauriko and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road. The work requires one of the westbound passing lanes to be closed.

From 7am through to 4pm on Wednesday speed restrictions and lane closures will be in place each day while Tauranga City Council contractors construct a new slip lane.

SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi
Motorists travelling on SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi are urged to drive with extra care as work continues on a major safety upgrade.

A section of highway between Wainui South Road and Sargent Drive is being repaired and widened, and a wire rope central median barrier installed to prevent head on crashes.
Traffic is currently split with works underway in the middle of the two lanes.

All surfaces are sealed however a 50km/h speed restriction is in place for the safety of workers and to allow the seal to bed in.

People should only expect minor delays but are urged to stay alert behind the wheel as there will be changes to the road layout over the next month.

WAIKATO

Waikato Expressway - Huntly section
Work continues at the Huntly Northern Interchange on State Highway 1 where a 70km/h speed restriction is in place. There are also 30km/h speed restrictions on local roads in the area including Orini Road, Stokes Road, Ralph Road to allow construction machinery to cross these roads.

Meanwhile, 50km/h speed restrictions are in place on Evans Road, Kimihia Road (east) to McGlynn Road and McVie Road between the stock car club and Kimihia East Road.

Waikato Expressway - Rangiriri section
There is ongoing traffic management across the site on State Highway 1 at Rangiriri. A speed restriction of 70km/h is in place across most of the section. A speed restriction of 50km/h is in place south of Rangiriri to allow contractor Fletcher Construction to continue working on the future south-bound lanes of the Expressway.

SH29 Kaimai Range
A major reseal programme on the Waikato side of the Kaimai Range (SH29) is under way from today. Motorists are advised to allow an extra few minutes when travelling up the steep Waikato side as there will be reduced passing opportunities. The work is expected to take a month to complete, Monday to Friday, starting from the bottom and moving upwards. A section nearer the summit will require traffic on a single lane under stop/go. Dates for that are to be confirmed.

SH1 rest area to close
Development and associated changes at the intersection of Wiltsdown Road and SH1 between Putaruru and Tokoroa mean a nearby rest area is to be closed permanently for safety reasons.
Industrial expansion in Wiltsdown Road, which also services a large rural community, is expected to lead to an increase in traffic. A left-turn acceleration lane is required so vehicles leaving Wiltsdown Road heading north can safely join SH1.

This will conflict with the rest area entrance 500m north of Wiltsdown Road which is in a 100km/h zone and near the a stream bridge.

The NZ Transport Agency has decided to permanently close the rest area from Monday, 18 April.

An alternative SH1 site is being investigated. In the meantime the Transport Agency, which encourages drivers to rest to reduce fatigue when undertaking long journeys, suggests motorists stop in Tokoroa or Putaruru, which are only 11kms away or eight minutes’ away from the site.

SH23 Waitetuna
Roadworks at the Waitetuna intersection on SH23 are under way until 8 April.

Traffic will be managed through the site under speed restriction and stop-go traffic management, so people may encounter short delays. Hours of work are 7am-6pm.

SH1 Putaruru
Roadworks south of Putaruru are under way and may cause minor delays for SH1 travellers until mid-April. The works, between the rail overbridge and vehicle testing station south of Putaruru, will wrap up on 22 April. Contractors will be on site seven days a week, 6am-7pm. Traffic will be managed through the site, and motorists may encounter short delays.

SH3, Te Kuiti
Road reconstruction is under way near the Bosco Cafe in Te Kuiti. Motorists can expect some delays until 6 April as stop/go traffic control and temporary speed limits are in place.

Works are scheduled for two other sections of SH3 in Te Kuiti: Seal repairs between George Street-King Street and a full reconstruction between King Street-Awakino Road.

This work will be carried out between 6 April and 12 May, during daylight hours Monday to Saturday. Traffic will be managed through the sites but short delays can be expected.

SH1 Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton
Travellers on SH1 through Hamilton should be prepared for minor delays as work is under way to install traffic lights at the Kahikatea Drive and Gallagher Drive intersection. A speed restriction and traffic management is in place until mid-year when the project will be complete.

SH3 Ohaupo Road, Hamilton
Work is well under way on the shared path for cyclists and pedestrians alongside on SH3 in Hamilton. The $2 million project will see a 3.5km shared path on SH3 Ohaupo Road. The path will be finished in April but two signalised pedestrian crossings at Normandy Avenue shops will be installed by mid-year.

SH3/SH21 Hamilton Airport turn-off
Motorists can expect occasional minor delays while work continues on a roundabout at the intersection. It is being built away from traffic and will be completed in May.

The Transport Agency thanks motorists for their patience and cooperation while the works are underway.

Refunds

Refunds of road user charges may be payable in a variety of circumstances, for example:

• unused distance due to hubodometer change
• when distance is travelled off the public roads
• when a vehicle is permanently destroyed, exported or its registration cancelled .

The following provision relates to distance licences only:

Unused distance due to hubodometer change

If an unexpired licence has been replaced due to a change of hubodometer, be sure your refund application includes the hubodometer reading at the time the hubodometer was found to be unserviceable. If the hubodometer is lost or stolen, include a calculated estimate of what the reading would have been at the time of loss or theft.

Unserviceable hubodometers must be kept for a period of three months. Applications for refunds should be made as soon as a replacement licence has been purchased and the licence label returned with a change of hubodometer form (RUCHO) which is available from  RUC agents or from the  RUC Contact Centre .

When distance is travelled off the public roads

You can apply for a refund of any distance travelled off the public roads. 

Apply using a  RUCOR application form .

Off-road travel should be claimed as each licence expires, but must be claimed within two years of the issue date of the road user charges licence which is the subject of the claim. 

Claims should be posted to the NZ Transport Agency, RUC Refunds and Administration, Private Bag 11777, Palmerston North 4442.

Vehicle operators must keep records of all distances travelled off-road. An officer authorised by the NZ Transport Agency may require access to these records in order to be satisfied as to the validity of an application. Records of off-road travel must be retained for a period of two years from the date of application for a refund. There is no criteria for the type of records that must be kept, however, an officer must be satisfied as to where and when the distance was travelled. An authorised officer may take extracts from or make copies of any books or records kept. They may also require verification of any information contained in books or records produced.

When a vehicle is permanently destroyed, exported or cancelled

Refunds may be granted after the vehicle’s registration has been cancelled.

To cancel the vehicle’s registration, complete an application to cancel registration (MR15) transaction at a Transport Agency agent, together with the vehicle’s number plates. The MR15 requires the current reading of your distance recorder (odometer or hubodometer) to be recorded at the time the vehicle is cancelled.

The new BNZ Centre is now the central city home of the NZ Transport Agency in Christchurch

In February this year, the Transport Agency moved into new offices in the first of four co-located Government buildings being constructed in Christchurch.  Our new address is the BNZ Centre at 120 Hereford Street Christchurch. Our former office was located in the Airport Business Park in Russley Road. 

Southern Region Workplace Services Manager Barbara Wilkinson says the shift back into the CBD makes us far more accessible to our customers, with the new Christchurch bus exchange a short walk from our office.  

“Customers can do business with 9 different agencies in the BNZ Centre including ourselves. There will be greater opportunities once additional Government agencies move into the building next door later this year. ” 

Our Workplace Services team is at reception to meet and greet customers and provide great information about our services.  We have EFTPOS available to make payments and a free phone to talk with our contact centre. We also provide technical support and assistance.

Barbara says a new and energized environment, presents a unique opportunity for the Transport Agency to deliver even better service to our Canterbury customers.

Making it easy for customers to do business with us is a high priority for the Transport Agency. As part of that, we need to keep enhancing how we meet customer needs. Our Christchurch team are now in a much better position to do that from their new central cityCity location she said.

The chief executive of the NZ Transport Agency reports to the NZ Transport Agency Board. The board is appointed by the Minister of Transport and is responsible for making independent decisions on allocating and investing funds from the National Land Transport Fund. It publishes its planned programme of investment every three years in the National Land Transport Programme.

Find out more about the National Land Transport Programme

Board members

The Minister of Transport can appoint up to eight members to the board. Current members are listed below.

Funding has been allocated to the Awakino Tunnel bypass, Mt Messenger bypass, and the Motu and Opawa Bridge replacements.

These projects will support economic growth, road safety and more predictable journeys for people in these regions.

The two largest of these projects – the bypasses of Mt Messenger and the Awakino Gorge Tunnel in Taranaki – are new projects that were not envisaged when the regional roading package was announced in 2014.

The northern gateway into Taranaki is a key freight link with the Waikato, so the Mt Messenger and the Awakino Gorge bypasses, along with other planned safety improvements, will ensure this important stretch of road supports the on-going economic growth of Taranaki.

Funding has also been allocated to the Motu Bridge, the only one-lane bridge on State Highway 2 between Gisborne and Opotiki, and the Opawa Bridge on State Highway 1 – north of Blenheim.

Currently, when the Motu Bridge is closed people are forced to travel an extra two hours via the East Cape along State Highway 5, causing delays for freight and the local farming community.

A new two-lane bridge will not only improve safety, but also provide more predictable and reliable travel times. This will strengthen the region’s primary link with the Bay of Plenty and help boost economic growth and productivity on the East Coast.

Construction is also planned for a new Opawa Bridge that will be wider and more durable to allow for fewer delays and road closures on this important gateway to Blenheim.

Improving the safety and reliability our roads is a real priority for the NZ Government, and projects like these will help to ensure that the land transport system is safe and effective for all.

The 18km Expressway is scheduled to open in mid-2017. However if the project can continue with its current momentum and planned schedule, it could open early.  The team are certainly working hard to achieve this outcome.

This project will connect with Transmission Gully (under construction with scheduled for completion in 2020) and the Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressway (construction contract to be awarded in later 2016) and will deliver additional improvements in safety and travel times.

To construct a solid foundation for the M2PP Expressway, the construction team has had to excavate much more peat than expected. Despite this, most of the Expressway embankments are in place, and staff are constructing as much pavement as possible before winter. Pavement progress will ultimately determine how early the Expressway can open.

A 400 tonne crawler crane – one of the largest in New Zealand – is being brought in to lift beams onto the Te Moana Road Interchange and the Waikanae River Bridge, and will be on site from late March through to June. Twenty trucks are required to transport crane components to the site, and once in operation the crane will able lift 150 tonne precast crosshead beams and Super-Tee bridge beams, each weighing up to 95 tonnes.

By June, beams will have been placed on most of the 18 bridges. All bridges along the alignment have been designed to withstand 100 year floods and 1-in-2500-year earthquakes along the alignment. 

Completion of the Expressway will not only improve safety and journey reliability but will also enhance the local environment. For every hectare of wetland taken for construction, the project is creating 5 hectares of wetland habitat to replace it.  In addition, 1.4 million new plantings – mainly native species grown from local seed – will increase the number and diversity of native species on the coast.

Stormwater across the project is being collected and treated in deep roadside swales and wetlands planted with native oioi. This plant naturally removes contaminants before water is released to local waterways.

A new shared pathway will run 16km alongside the Expressway, connecting with other paths and local roads in Waikanae and Paraparaumu. It will also connect via Poplar Ave with the shared cycleway/walkway through Queen Elizabeth Park to Paekakariki.

Two pedestrian bridges are being built over the Expressway at Makarini Street and Leinster Avenue to make sure connections within the community are maintained.

This project is one of seven that make up the Wellington Northern Corridor – Road of National Significance (RoNS) providing significant benefits to the Wellington region and the nation.

For more information visit the website.