Wed Sep 25 02:45:00 UTC 2024: ## Piarere Roundabout Opens, Bringing Relief to Busy Waikato Intersection

**Tīrau, New Zealand** – The long-awaited Piarere roundabout at the SH1/SH29 intersection near Tīrau has officially opened to traffic, marking a major milestone in the project. The roundabout, part of the Government’s Roads of Regional Significance program, opened to traffic on Tuesday night.

The $43.5 million project, which began in January, is expected to be completed in mid-late 2025. The new roundabout features three approaches, with a fourth stub designated for the future expressway extension.

While the roundabout is now open, construction is still ongoing and a temporary arrangement is in place. The southbound lane of SH1/29 was closed yesterday to connect the roundabout to the existing road network. A temporary speed limit of 60km/h is in place around the construction zone for safety.

This temporary setup is expected to remain until late 2024, after which the roundabout will become fully operational. Once complete, the roundabout is expected to improve traffic flow, connectivity, and safety at this busy intersection, which sees over 2500 heavy commercial vehicles and 25,000 cars pass through daily.

“This is a significant milestone for the project, and a welcome relief for commuters and businesses in the area,” said Transport Minister Simeon Brown. “We are committed to upgrading this vital stretch of road and the Piarere roundabout is a key part of that.”

The roundabout is also designed to connect with the future expressway between Cambridge and Piarere, a project that the Government is prioritising.

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