The final piece of the Waikato Expressway blessed and ready for motorists

Tuesday, 12 July 2022

The official blessing and ribbon cutting of the Waikato Expressway took place on Tuesday

It’s been a quarter of a century in the making but the final chapter of the Waikato Expressway has been blessed and is now just awaiting the public.

Transport Minister Michael Wood, Māori King Tūheitia and other officials braved the wet and wild weather on Tuesday morning to bless the 22km stretch of road.

Around 250 people were bussed from Tamahere south of Hamilton with stops along the way to bless various spots. The trip also included the raising of the King’s standard flag and the return of the large ceremonial scissors pulled out for the ribbon cutting near Lake Rd in the north.

The $837m section completes the full 102km of the expressway which will reduce travel times between Auckland and Tīrau by 35 minutes for approximately 20,000 vehicles a day.

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Māori King Tuheitia stands next to Transport Minister Michael Wood at the official ribbon cutting of the Hamilton section of Waikato Expressway.

The Hamilton section runs from Ngāruawāhia in the north to the existing Tamahere interchange.

The road will also see 78km feature an increased speed 110kph speed limit from Wednesday, thanks to its modern design and safety features.

Wood said today was a reflection of what is a very significant project for the region, with the first stage of the Waikato Expressway opened in 1997.

Places along with Hamilton section were blessed by the Kiingitanga on Tuesday morning.

“It’s now a quarter of a century ago and so to see that coming together over that time over successive governments of different stripes I think is really positive. Certainly for us as a government it’s important in terms of our ongoing investment in this region.

He would not commit to saying if the expressway would be extended between Cambridge and Piarere, and area which sees a number of serious crashes each year.

“We continue to work with the local government and Waka Kotahi continues to investigate the project with them.

“We are currently investing in the intersection of SH1 and SH29 which we know is a traffic black spot that does need improvements and will continue to work with the local government on further potential improvements.”

Waka Kotahi’s regional manager infrastructure delivery Waikato/ Bay of Plenty Jo Wilton said she was a bit emotional after eight years on the project.

“It’s almost the end of the journey when you are saying goodbye and just looking back at all the things we have achieved building the expressway and all the connections we have made with people involved.”

Hamilton East-based National list MP David Bennett said the expressway is a game changer for the Waikato with the infrastructure that’s now in place.

“You have seen the growth in the central city, seen the industrial growth in the north and south of the city and the residential growth all through the city which is a result of linking us with Auckland and Tauranga. That was the whole purpose of the Waikato Expressway, and it’s come to fruition, and we’re seeing the dividends in the city at the moment.”

Hamilton East MP Jamie Strange said it’s a day many people have been waiting for, and it’s going to have a huge impact for the region.

“It’s a really challenging piece of infrastructure and I think for all of us as we drive on the road to give some thought to the people who have brought this road to life.”

Waka Kotahi won’t reveal when the road will open to the public, but it is likely to be in the next couple of days as long as it’s safe enough for those involved in traffic management to do so.