Safety improvements on State Highway 1, near Cambridge, are almost complete, bringing some changes for road users.
Contractors will begin work to permanently close the right-turn out of Hydro Road
Construction in the area got underway in March 2024 and includes a new turnaround bay just north of Hickey Road, road widening and the installation of side and median safety barriers.
As part of the finishing works, the right-turn out of Hydro Road onto SH1 will be permanently closed. Contractors will be on site from Monday 19 August to begin this work for an expected period of 3 weeks.
During this work road users should expect periods of stop/go on Hydro Road and temporary traffic management with a reduced speed limit on SH1. Contractors will be on site from 7am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, with the possibility of work from 7am – 2pm on Saturdays if needed.
Following the right-turn closure, road users wanting to travel south will make use of the new turnaround bay north of Hickey Road to safely change direction.
With completion near, the speed limit in the area has been reinstated to 100km/h, from north of Hickey Road to south of the Karāpiro Road/SH1 intersection. The previous temporary speed limit of 80km/h was put in place late 2022 as an interim safety measure ahead of these permanent infrastructure improvements.
All work in the area is expected to be completed by mid-September.
A truck utilises the recently completed turnaround at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Hydro Road. Photo: Supplied.
On his bike
Oliphant House’s Epic 12-Hour Cycling Marathon for St John Ambulance, Cambridge
St Peter’s Cambridge school student Brady van der Bijl cycled for 12 hours and covered 265 kilometres as his contribution to the school’s fundraising for St John last weekend. A total of 45 students, all boarders at Oliphant House, took part and raised almost $3500.
The event garnered tremendous support from the school’s staff and the boys themselves, who kept each other motivated with cheers and encouragement throughout the day. The event was also streamed live, allowing friends, family, and supporters from afar to join in and witness the determination and teamwork in action. St John Cambridge staff made special appearances, adding to the enthusiasm and camaraderie.
During the downtime between cycling, the students also took the opportunity to learn 3 Steps for Life, an essential first aid skill set. This training was overseen by Rob Chisholm and Margaret Vincent from St John, further enriching the experience and adding another layer of community service to the event.
3 Steps for Life, an essential first aid skill set.
Another round
Shakespeare-Cook Sts Roundabout. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The independent safety team which reviewed the design of the Shakespeare/Cook Street roundabout prior to construction has returned to undertake a post-construction safety review. The outcome of this review will be reported back to council mid-August. Changes at the roundabout have drawn strong criticism.
Nifty shades of Gray
Francie Gray
Hamilton Operatic Society life member and regular Waipā repertory supporter Francie Gray was farewelled on stage this week at the Clarence St Theatre – two days after the Hunchback of Notre Dame opened and with the set in place. Society chair Caroline Gill said she could not think of a more appropriate farewell for Gray than for her to have one last audience. The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which features several Waipā people in the cast, runs till August 10.
Medals for butcher
Expleo Butchery in Te Awamutu has scooped three medals in the 100 per cent New Zealand Bacon and Ham Awards. Expleo was category champion for their dry cured streaky bacon and sliced ham and won a silver medal for their boneless ham.
Help at hand
Outdoor enthusiasts will put up their hands to bring more local knowledge to search and rescue operations in the King Country bush. At a meeting held at Waitomo last week 20 people put down their names to assist Lansar – NZ Land Search and Rescue. Some will train as Lansar members, while others will join search teams as guides.
History book
A book revealing the history of 30 Te Awamutu commercial buildings has sold 210 copies pre-publication and is close to breaking even. A Bricks and Mortar Legacy – Stories of Commercial Buildings in Te Awamutu 1890-1997 tells the story of the economic history of Te Awamutu. A print date is expected to be announced soon.
Two placed
The winning trio was Lynda Bennett, Denise Te Momo and Nevenka Drnasin.
Cambridge bowlers were to the fore in the latest tournament at the Kihikihi Bowling Club. An event won by a Pirongia trio skipped by Denise Te Mono saw Cambridge Central represented by Robby Davidson (Skip), Mary Hughes and Chris Denton came home second and a Cambridge Bowling Club trio of Bill James (skip) Dave Lewis and Bill Edge place fourth.
Lots of Lego
Cambridge’s Riding for the Disabled is one of two organisations which will benefit from the Hamilton Lego User Group’s ninth show next week. The August 10-11 event at Claudelands will feature 78 exhibitors and highlights are expected to include the Waikato Schools Brick Masters competition and a Lego Star Wars 25th Anniversary display.
Almost 6000 people attended the 2023 show, and profits will also assist Clothe Our Kids Waikato. Sunday will also feature an hour-long morning sensory session where there will be no noises or lights operating on the displays, reduced lighting in the venue and reduced numbers of people.
