Roadworks limit Blue Spring access
Summer roadworks are going to make it harder to get to the popular Te Waihou Walkway and Blue Spring, northeast of Putā ruru.
Waka Kotahi were working on State Highway 28, or Whites Road, from January 11 until midMarch, doing what it described as vital road works.
That means the road – which leads to the walkway – will be closed from 6am-6pm weekdays, and the car park that provides access to the Te Waihou walk will be closed for the duration of the project.
‘‘Contractors will be using this area. Access to the car park on Leslie Rd will also be restricted, due to the road works,’’ a statement from South Waikato District Council said.
But people will be able to get to Te Waihou Walkway and Blue Spring after 6pm on weekdays and weekends, the council said.
‘‘While these works will cause inconvenience, we are urging visitors to utilise in a safe manner the Leslie Rd end to access the walkway and Blue
Spring outside of the timeframes listed by Waka Kotahi,’’ council assets group manager Ted Anderson said.
‘‘Car parking and access via the Leslie Rd end will be limited so visitors should plan accordingly. Remember to park responsibly and refrain from swimming in the Blue Spring area. These works may provide an opportunity for families and groups to alternatively visit the fantastic Waikato River Trails or South Waikato reserves during this time.’’
The roadworks on SH28 are important for the safety of state highway networks, Anderson said, and can only be done in summer months.
While the work is happening, all vehicles will be detoured via the SH1/SH5 roundabout at the southern end of Tīrau, the council said.
Throughout the project, access into SH28 will be for residents only. Waka Kotahi has reminded residents to enter SH28 from the correct end to reach their property.