Drivers across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty can finally enjoy smoother trips, with the mammoth 2024/25 summer road maintenance programme now complete.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) confirmed the multi-month effort saw more than 427 lane kilometres rebuilt or resurfaced across the two regions, with road crews now turning their focus to winter safety.

System Manager Bay of Plenty Sandra King said teams would now concentrate on routine upkeep and fast responses to cold-weather hazards like slips, flooding and icy roads.

“Frost tends to hit hardest at daybreak,” said King. “Watch out for shaded areas and bridges – they can stay icy longer than the rest of the road. Slowing down is the safest bet.”

In the Waikato, the programme delivered 290 lane kilometres of work, including a six-week road rebuild through Ōhaupō on SH3, another four weeks at Rukuhia, and resurfacing on SH27 in Waharoa. A key rebuild was also completed on SH29 in Te Poi.

In the Bay of Plenty, 137 lane kilometres were repaired, including six major rebuilds on SH29 in the Kaimai Range between Tauriko and the summit. A five-week rebuild was completed north of Tauranga on SH2 near Snodgrass Road, and several weeks of resurfacing took place in the Waioweka Gorge on SH2, which required full road closures.

Urban areas weren’t forgotten either. Eight asphalt resurfacing projects were wrapped up in and around Tauranga on SH2 and SH29. Other major jobs included rebuilds on SH36 between Tauranga and Rotorua, SH30 Sala Street in Rotorua, and SH5 west of Rotorua.

NZTA thanked the public for their patience during the summer’s heavy works. With colder months now arriving, the agency urged motorists to stay alert for frost and be prepared for potential disruptions.

While heavy snow is rare in these regions, King noted frost remains a recurring winter challenge and called on drivers to keep safety front of mind.

Crews will remain active on the roads throughout winter to manage issues as they arise, helping keep New Zealanders moving – safely.