Road works to limit access to Te Waihou Walkway and Blue Spring
Vital road works undertaken by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency on State Highway 28 (Whites Road) will temporarily limit access for visitors to Te Waihou Walkway and Blue Spring from mid-January 2022.
Waka Kotahi has advised SH28 (Whites Road) between SH1 and SH5, will be closed to through traffic from Tuesday 11 January 2022 through to mid-March to allow for the road rehabilitation works to take place. As a result of this project, all vehicles will be detoured via the SH1/SH5 roundabout at the southern end of Tirau.
The closure of SH28 (Whites Road) will be in effect on weekdays between 6am – 6pm while contractors complete the necessary work.
Assets Group Manager Ted Anderson said Council had discussed various ways to ensure that the popular visitor attraction could still be accessed over the busy summer period ahead.
“Due to this project, Te Waihou Walkway and the Blue Spring will be open after 6pm on weekdays and on weekends.
“These works are important and can only be done throughout the summer months in order to improve the safety of our roads and state highway networks.”
The car park on SH28 (Whites Road) that provides access to the Te Waihou (Blue Springs) walk will be closed for the duration of this project as contractors will be using this area. Access to the car park on Leslie Road will also be restricted, due to the road works.
“While these works will cause inconvenience, we are urging visitors to utilise in a safe manner the Leslie Road end to access the walkway and Blue Spring outside of the timeframes listed by Waka Kotahi,” Mr Anderson said.
“Car parking and access via the Leslie Road end will be limited so visitors should plan accordingly. Remember to park responsibly and refrain from swimming in the Blue Spring area
“These works may provide an opportunity for families and groups to alternatively visit the fantastic Waikato River Trails or South Waikato reserves during this time.”
Throughout the project, access into SH28 will be for residents only. Waka Kotahi has reminded residents that they should enter SH28 from the correct end to access their property, as they will be unable to drive through the worksite.
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Further information
Waka Kotahi Media Release - https://www.nzta.govt.nz/media-releases/state-highway-28-whites-road-road-closure/
Waikato River Trails Website - https://www.waikatorivertrails.co.nz/
South Waikato Reserves - https://www.southwaikato.govt.nz/our-district/sport-and-recreation/parks-and-reserves
