A major Coromandel throughfare reopens this afternoon, three days ahead of schedule, NZ Transport Agency says.

State Highway 25A that runs from Kopu on the eastern side of the range to Hikuai on the west has been closed for more than a week for a major rebuild.

Regional manager maintenance and operations, Roger Brady, said the early finish was thanks to the teams on the ground.

“Our teams made the most of fine weather and good planning and resourcing to get work completed several days ahead of schedule – allowing the road to reopen sooner than anticipated.”

More than 200 individual maintenance jobs were completed during the works. Photo / NZTA

The road will reopen by late afternoon Tuesday at the latest. It has been closed during the day for a major rebuild in the steep and narrow sections of the highway since November 10.

While there is still some work to complete, it can be done under speed restrictions and occasional stop/go traffic management, Brady said.

“We acknowledge the disruption the closure caused the community and businesses and we thank everyone for their understanding and patience as this essential rebuild work has taken place.

“Getting the work completed and the road reopened before the peak summer holiday period was a priority.”

Contractors made the most of the closure to get a lot of other maintenance work done, leaving the highway in top shape for summer.

More than 200 individual maintenance jobs were completed, including edge break, shoulder and pothole repairs, vegetation control, signage maintenance, culvert clearing and other drainage and surfacing work.

The essential rebuild on SH25A followed the week-long closure on SH25 at Boundary Creek bridge on the Thames Coast.

“Another big thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to finish early and to road users for your patience,” Brady said.

“NZTA is committed to keeping Coromandel connected this summer. Travel safely and enjoy the improved road.”

The completed work included:

• A significant road rehabilitation upgraded both the drainage system and the road surface, improving long-term resilience and safety.  
• 480 metres of road, including 3600m² of chip sealing, delivering an even and more durable surface for road users. 
• Five mill-and-fill patches, restoring pavement strength and quality. 
• A reinforced nib wall was built near Troop Falls.