Traffic delays possible at new Wairakei roundabout

Motorists are advised to expect delays north of Taupo at the Wairakei SH1/SH5 intersection.

Motorists are warned to expect delays from throughout February into mid-March as major realignment work on both SH1 and SH5 at the Wairakei intersection is undertaken as part of the construction of the East Taupo Arterial.

At times there will be stop/go traffic management in place causing extended queues and possible delays in travel times plus some construction work will be carried out at night. The current 30km speed restriction will continue to be in place.

ETA Project Manager Ron Boyle says motorists are asked to plan their journeys allowing extra time to arrive at their destination and to follow all temporary traffic signs and instructions from work crews. He urges motorists to proceed with care and travel with safety in mind in this location as driving conditions are likely to change from day to day during construction.

“Once the works are complete the new Wairakei roundabout will be operational - with the exception of the entry and exit to the ETA (this is still being constructed). I apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank motorists for their patience,” said Mr Boyle. “People may want to use alternate routes where at all possible during this time.”

He says the roundabout at the intersection of SH1 and the airport is also being constructed although it will not be completed for some time. “We have opened the section of the roundabout that gives a new point of access to the Airport. There is considerably more work to do in order to construct the new roading pattern at this intersection but this roundabout will not be fully operational for some time yet.”