Cambridge Bypass

The southernmost part of the Waikato Expressway

The planned Cambridge Bypass will be part of the Waikato Expressway, the key strategic transport corridor improving traffic flow and safety through the region.

Transit New Zealand is undertaking detailed investigation and design for the bypass on State Highway 1 at the southernmost section of the Waikato Expressway.

Once completed, Cambridge Bypass will:

  • Separate inter-regional SH1 traffic from local Cambridge traffic
  • Reduce congestion and intersection delays
  • Improve safety for local pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists and traffic
  • Reduce traffic noise within the confines of Cambridge town.

The designated Cambridge Bypass route is about 11km long, departing from SH1 around the existing Discombe Road/SH1 intersection. It will run roughly parallel with Hautapu Road to Victoria Road where it will begin a sweeping right-hand bend before straightening to pass near the Thornton Road and St Kilda Road intersection. It will cross the Karapiro Stream Gully and curve left before rejoining SH1 at the top of the rise just south of Cambridge Golf Course.

A diagram showing a general overview of the Cambridge Bypass can be found by clicking here.

Visit the Waikato Expressway website

Beginning of content

Timing

The Cambridge Bypass project has a long history. The route was identified in the 1970’s and was designated in the Waipa District Plan in 1973.

As part of the design process, the current route designation width of approximately 40 metres will need to be widened to meet current highway safety design and environmental standards, and to cater for future four-laning.
 
Construction of the SH1 Cambridge Bypass was indicated in Transit's current 10-year State Highway Plan and Forecast as starting between 2011 and 2016. This is subject to community consultation, Resource Management Act approvals, land purchase, and funding. Construction is expected to take three to four years.

End of content

Latest News

Public Information Day for Cambridge Bypass The people of Cambridge will have an opportunity to find out more about the proposed design for the State Highway 1 Cambridge Bypass later this month. More

FAQs

Why is the project needed? The project is needed to improve traffic flows and safety through Cambridge township, and to help shorten travel times between Cambridge and Auckland. More

What will the project look like? The Cambridge Bypass project consists of a re-alignment of SH1 from Hautapu Road to south of the Cambridge Golf Course. More