Desert Road closure 2025

The story so far

State Highway 1 between Tūrangi and Waiouru was announced as closed for two months for road reconstruction and bridge repairs, with the Ruapehu District mayor warning that detour accidents could disrupt central North Island transport.^{13 Jan 2025} The chief executive of Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust said he had not known about the plans, and the announcement drew criticism over how much consultation took place.^{14 Jan 2025} The closure began on 13 January, and the traffic diverted through Ohakune has boosted local businesses, with cafe owners reporting much higher activity.^{26 Jan 2025} By early February, an electronic traffic sign near Bulls was reportedly diverting drivers and hurting Rangitīkei businesses, even though the highway does not close until Waiouru, 110km further along.^{4 Feb 2025}

Latest

In early February, local businesses in the Rangitīkei towns said an electronic sign near Bulls was reducing traffic, although the closure does not start until Waiouru, 110km further along.^{4 Feb 2025}

Key moments

1. 13 Jan 2025Two-month closure of State Highway 1 between Tūrangi and Waiouru announced.
2. 14 Jan 2025Forest trust chief executive says he was unaware of the closure plans; consultation criticised.
3. 26 Jan 2025Closure begins 13 January; Ohakune businesses report a boost from diverted traffic.
4. 4 Feb 2025Electronic sign near Bulls blamed for diverting drivers and hurting Rangitīkei businesses.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.