It is pleasing to see NZTA (NZ Transport Authority or whatever new name they have now?) communicating about their big $2 Billion spending effort to fill all the potholes on SH1 and their promise to keep the main road open between Turangi and Taupo.

BUT Turangi folk been patiently listening to false promises and more continual delays on improvements to this particular 45km stretch of main road for over 20 years. Every year the proposed inland road to avoid Bulli point slips back in the priority list to other sections of the main road where more votes can be won. The increased danger and risk factor has been replaced by political considerations. How much longer before another fatality will occur?

Thank you to our MP Louise Upston for making sure the dangers of this road around the eastern side of Lake Taupo were realised. In 2020 she organised a petition above with thousands of signatures asking for the most difficult dangerous sections around Bulli Point to be replaced with an inland road that was surveyed and approved about 20 years ago. Nothing happened then of course when she was in opposition, but hopefully NZ seem to have a more focused government now. They appear desperate to win back all the votes they lost…

The delightful old photo above of the original road formed around the cliff edge illustrates the real problem. The route is exactly the same! The main difference now, about 100 years later, is that it is sealed (between the potholes!). Consider the increases in loads and weight and volume while the original surveyed road was never designed for modern, much faster fully laden truck and trailer rigs.

A couple of recent photos below indicate the continuing problem. This main arterial road is so important as there is no other alternative bypass, unless traffic follows the timber trucks through the forest (not allowed!) or take the much longer western route via Whakamaru.

For tourist travellers, that is always our recommended safer less congested route to avoid all the stress from competing with slower camper vans and truck & trailer rigs on SH1. The views may not be as scenic but the relaxed driving pleasure more than compensates.

They have the perfect precedent (south of Waitahanui and north of Hatepe) to compare the old “Earthquake Gully”. But the inland bypass to avoid the Bulli Point corners always misses out.

How many more similar accidents will it take to convince NZTA to get their priorities sorted?

Another random thought… When a new inland route is formed, this original road would become the most popular tourist bike trail in NZ.

NZTA’s update:

Taupō to Tūrangi updateWe have made the decision that a full closure would not be the best option for this part of SH1 due to the issues it would cause for the community, freight and businesses.We have received considerable feedback about the proposal to close SH1 between Taupō and Tūrangi in October and November. We do have considerable maintenance to do on this stretch of SH1, including some bridge strengthening work, so there will still be disruptions. We will spend some time investigating the best options for getting this work done. These options could include stop/go, having 1 lane open and nightworks.Once we have worked through the detailed planning with our contractors, we will be back in touch with you about what is proposed. Sign up for our regular updates. You can also email us at: SH1Waikato@nzta.govt.nz.