Transport Agency Responds to SH25A Closure Criticism
Written by John Freer on October 1, 2025
The decision to close State Highway 25A for two weeks was necessitated by what the New Zealand Transport Agency is describing as high priority essential rebuild work.
This in response to an approach by CFM following significant criticism of the closure by businesses on both sides of the Coromandel Peninsula.
A spokesperson for the transport agency said the risk is that if the work was delayed, the pavement could fail which would force reactive repairs at a time that may be far less convenient, with minimal notice for the community.
“For Coromandel residents, businesses and visitors a functional state highway network in and around the district is vital for daily life. That’s why it’s important we prioritise the work to ensure a resilient network that continues to provide those all-important connections.
“Our road-building season runs from October through to March, when weather conditions are most suitable for high-quality pavement work. Outside of these months, unpredictable weather significantly increases the risk of compromising pavement integrity – and work takes longer to complete, causing more disruption.
“We understand there’s never a good time to close the road, however, through experience and community feedback, we’ve learned that undertaking work before Christmas is generally preferred over post-holiday disruptions, with the new year bringing events such as Beach Hop, Mercury Bay Art escape, and then of course Easter.
“This work was not necessary in 2023 when the then priority work was programmed and funded.
“The SH25A work will follow the 7-day closure on SH25 at Boundary Creek bridge on the Thames Coast, which starts after Labour weekend. It’s important to note that the Boundary Creek project, while taking six to eight weeks to complete, will only be closed for seven days.
“The bridge will remain open during the remaining work in a single lane – which has been the case since 2023 when the restrictions were put in place. These two closures will not overlap.”
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Andrea Dickinson On October 3, 2025 at 9:34 am
Spade leaning, cell phones and reading their own signs to ‘work slow and produce results to fall apart asap…..The whole thing is a joke but what’s worse, the agenda is to cause delays, inconvenience and produce a poor result. If Council were worth anything they would be putting them on a ‘Quality & Timing’ penalty! Get it done quickly and with a top result. Any chance???