This happens far too often:
Motorists are advised to expect delays following a large slip on State Highway 1 near Motutere, south of Taupo. The slip has completely blocked the southbound lane, a police spokeswoman said.Highway contractors are on their way, and police are directing traffic.Motorists were advised delays were likely in the area. As long as we can remember many tourists complain about the poor roading north of Turangi. This absolutely awful stretch of SH1 needs further elaboration.
Neglected highways
An article on the Taupo bypass proposed upgrade highlights that the SH1 -Taupo – Turangi – Desert Road sections need more upgrading and it should not be an either/or situation. Highways south of Taupo have been neglected. Probably 10 years ago the Turangi-Tongariro Community Board made submissions to NZTA that SH1 was in a substandard condition and without any major funding it would remain that way in its plans for the next 20 years.
They identified 19 sections of the road below highway standard – i.e. that the provision of passing lanes was one for every 15km but SH1 south of Waitahanui lacked a major passing lane until 50 km south of Rangipo.
Other projects needing attention included:
* SH1 pedestrian clip on SH1 Tongariro River bridge.
* SH1 Tauranga-Taupo bridge realignment.
* SH1 whisper seal through Turangi (to reduce the high night traffic noise)
* SH1 passing lanes every 15 km from Taupo south to Desert Road,
* SH1 Hallets Bay to Motutere realignment, etc
All these remain as they were 10 years ago, no change, no action, no attention.
The TTCB was assured by its Taupo District COuncil that after the construction of the bypass, these projects would take priority in its presentations to NZTA. This has not happened. etc…
Part of SH1 – Desert Road is to have two full closures and will be down to one lane for three months from Saturday while the deck is replaced on the Waihohonu Stream bridge.
The bridge was damaged by a truck smash in July 2017.
Full closures are scheduled for March 7 and April 4, weather permitting. Each closure is expected for 36 hours from 7 am. The alternative route is SH46, 47, 4 and 49 – around the western side of Tongariro National Park.