ETA frequently asked questions

What is the planned opening date for the ETA?

The scheduled date is March 2011 but the entire project team are striving to deliver the finished result earlier for the Taupo community.

Can I still use the Aratiatia Reserve cycling and walking track?

Yes. As part of our aim to minimise disruption to the general public, we have temporarily relocated a section of the track so that it can remain open for the enjoyment of everyone while the ETA is being constructed. For your safety, please keep to the path and out of the construction area.

Now a temporary slip road is going to be built allowing access from the ETA onto Crown Road - will Crown Road be open during construction of the ETA?

Crown Road will be temporarily closed to allow us to construct the ETA/SH5 roundabout. This temporary closure will be in place for up to six months from July 2009, with traffic directed to Crown Road via a detour. As the slip road is temporary, the replacement deviation road has to be constructed by Taupo District Council within five years of the ETA being open.

What will happen with Centennial Drive and Broadlands Road?

Both roads will stay as they are with the ETA crossing over the top of each. This is called a grade-separated intersection. Traffic will be able to enter or exit the ETA no matter which direction they are travelling, as there will be on and off ramps at both roads. The 10km cycle loop will not be disrupted in any way when the ETA is complete.

What is the Waikato River Bridge going to look like, how long is it and can I walk across it?

The Waikato River Bridge will be a network arch-style bridge, 104 metres in length. You will be able to cycle or walk over the bridge on the dedicated shared pathway from either the Aratiatia Reserve walkway or from Boat Access Road.

There are potential historical areas along the ETA. How are you looking after this and identifying these areas?

Taupo District Council has employed ‘hapu monitors’ who are working on-site everyday, checking soil before and during excavation to ensure nothing of historical significance is being compromised.

Will there be any disruption to the many events in Taupo during construction?

Already a number of events including the Bonita New Zealand Ironman, Oxfam Trailwalker and the Avanti 100K Charity Flyer have been held successfully since construction began with no disruption caused by the ETA project. We work closely with event organisers to ensure the events are held with minimal disruption.

In some early plans, it showed the ETA being built in stages. Is this still happening?

No. Construction of the ETA is now taking place on the entire 16km length at the same time. This is one of the largest roading construction projects in New Zealand.