Thanks to a run of consistently good weather and high production, significant asphalt works on the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway continue to power ahead, and the project is nearly 75% complete.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and contractor Fulton Hogan are carrying out the works in 5km sections across all lanes, moving from 5km of southbound lanes to 5km of northbound lanes across the entire 16 km length between 1 March and December 2026.

“We appreciate the works are disruptive, but they’re also essential to ensure the expressway remains safe, resilient and ready for future growth,” says NZTA Waikato Area Manager, Andy Oakley. “And we’re pleased to report that progress continues to be ahead of schedule.” 

Since Stage 1 began on 1 March, the southbound and northbound lanes between the Southern Interchange and the Northern Interchange (Cambridge West/Velodrome exit) have been completed and the southbound lanes between Tamahere and the Velodrome exit are nearing completion.

The team is now preparing to move into Stage 6 in the week commencing Monday 17 August (weather dependent).

“At the start of Stage 6 the project will be 75% complete with 15 lane kilometres left to deliver,” Mr Oakley says.

Stage 6 requires the closure of the northbound on‑ramp at the Cambridge West/Velodrome Interchange. Crews will be working across both northbound lanes from the on-ramp to just south of the Tamahere Interchange.

During Stage 6 Cambridge Road from the Velodrome roundabout to the interchange on-ramp will also be resident only access. 

This will cause disruption for road users who regularly use the interchange to join the Expressway to travel north into Hamilton. 

Northbound Cambridge traffic wanting to head north on SH1 will need to join the Expressway at the Victoria Road Interchange (Hautapu). Motorists are advised to plan ahead and consider all available alternative routes into Hamilton.

The Tamahere Interchange is not impacted by this work, but we do expect to see increased traffic in this area particularly at peak travel times because of the volume of SH1 traffic merging into one lane in each direction.

“Delays of up to 20 minutes at peak can be expected. Motorists are advised to consider all alternative routes available to ease congestion. We encourage people to check Journey Planner for the most up-to-date information and to use alternative routes where possible,” says Mr Oakley.

“The safety of road users, the community and our teams is our priority. Thanks for your patience when travelling through the site and please follow all signage and instructions provided by our road crews.”

We will be monitoring travel times and making any traffic management adjustments needed.