Roading Update: SH3 Awakino Gorge

Work is progressing to restore two-lane access through the Awakino Gorge section of State Highway 3 (SH3) following the severe weather damage and slips in April.

The road remains open under stop/go traffic management, with one lane available and monitoring and safety controls in place.

The next major step is installing culverts to drain water away from the slip area. This is a key part of managing water at the site, helping to stabilise the slip and supporting the goal of reopening this section of SH3 to two lanes.

The timing and approach for the culvert installation are currently being confirmed, and a further update will be provided once these details are finalised.

As part of the preparation work, machinery will be moved off the slip site. Additional monitoring equipment will also be installed, including infrared cameras and other sensors, to provide real-time information about the condition of the slip.

This information supports the Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) already in place. The TARP uses monitoring data to guide early action when conditions become riskier than normal.

Safety remains the top priority. If safety thresholds are reached, action will be taken to keep people safe, including adjusting access or closing the road if necessary. The road will reopen as soon as conditions improve, and engineers confirm it is safe to do so.

The final design, construction programme and timeframe for restoring two-lane access are still being worked through. Updates will continue to be provided as this work progresses.

The current work is focused on repairing damage caused by the April weather event and restoring two-lane access through this section of SH3. The wider Awakino Gorge resilience programme, which focuses on improving the long-term resilience of the corridor, is also progressing through the planning phase.

The ongoing restrictions are understood to be frustrating and disruptive, particularly for local communities, businesses and freight operators. Updates will continue to be provided as decisions are made, along with clear information about access arrangements.

People should continue to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, follow all traffic management and check the latest travel information before travelling, as access can change quickly.

• Journey Planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz

• NZTA regional Facebook pages (updates and changes):

• Waikato & Bay of Plenty: facebook.com/nztawbop 

• Manawatū-Whanganui & Taranaki: facebook.com/nztamwt

To report a hazard on an open state highway, call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).