A key stretch of State Highway 29 is set for major upgrades, including rebuilding and resurfacing five sites on the Kaimai Range.

SH29 from Tauriko to the summit of the Kaimai Range is a key corridor NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is focused on strengthening this summer so that it remains safe and reliable, and meets the needs of everyone who uses it.

As the weather warms up, crews are preparing for the summer maintenance programme on SH29.

Between now and May 2026, there are five sites on the Bay of Plenty side of the Kaimai Range where the road will be rebuilt and resurfaced.

Work at the first site will begin this week and involve a significant road rebuild of around 1.5 kilometres of SH29 near Valley View Rd.

From Sunday, September 28 until early next year, temporary traffic management will be in place near Valley View Rd.

The work will be carried out in stages, with lane shifts and lane closures changing during the project and the passing lane near Valley View Rd will be closed for the duration of these works.

People are urged to follow the temporary signs and watch for layout changes when travelling through the area.

The first stage will focus on rebuilding the road in the top half of the section (pictured in the map attached) from Sunday, September 28 until the end of November.

During this stage crews will work Monday to Friday, with traffic management in place by 7am and contraflow (traffic maintained in both directions) in action between 8am and 5pm, and overnight Sunday to Thursday, from 7pm to 6am. During the overnight shifts, contraflow will be removed, with traffic reduced to one lane and under stop/go. No work will occur on weekends and two lanes will be open.

To ensure the safety of both the community and works crews, a reduced speed limit of 30km/h will apply during work hours and 50km/h outside work hours.

From December, work will begin on rebuilding the bottom half of the section, along with drainage works. Similar temporary traffic management is expected during this time but will be confirmed closer to the works starting.

Crews will take a break over the Christmas period, before returning to work in January and completing the rebuild by April 2026.

NZTA appreciates that due to the nature and length of these works, there will be some delays. It apologises for the inconvenience and is working to minimise disruption where possible.

Once the work is finished, drivers can look forward to a safer, smoother drive along this stretch of SH29.

People are encouraged to keep an eye on the NZTA Journey Planner for updated travel conditions.

Tauriko Enabling Works remain ongoing between Belk and Cambridge Rds. You can also sign up to receive emails about upcoming maintenance on Bay of Plenty highways here.