The Mt Messenger Bypass is a new 6km route from Uruti to Ahititi that bypasses the existing route over Mt Messenger on State Highway 3. It is intended to be lower and less steep than the existing road. The project includes:
- two bridges of approximately 125m and 30m length,
- a 235m tunnel, and
- environmental restoration works.
Key Dates
| Oct 2022 | Construction Commencement |
| Dec 2026 | Expected Construction Completion |
Funding contributions
| NZ Government |
Procurement
| Procuring Agency: | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency |
| Successful Tenderer: | Mt Messenger Alliance comprising Downer, HEB Construction, Tonkin & Taylor and WSP. |
PROJECT HISTORY
| Apr 2017 | Mt Messenger Alliance, NZ Transport Agency, Downer, HEB Construction, Tonkin & Taylor, Opus International Ltd, Holmes Consulting and Isthmus, was appointed to carry out the design and construction of the project. |
| Aug 2017 | The preferred design option for the project was selected. |
| Mar 2022 | The New Zealand High Court ruled in favour of the project's construction. |
| May 2022 | Early works began on the project. |
| Oct 2022 | Major works began on the project. |
| Jul 2025 | The New Zealand High Court rejected an appeal by landowners and confirmed the Environment Court’s May 2024 ruling which supported the Crown’s compulsory acquisition of the final piece of land required for the project’s northern section. The New Zealand Transport agency also confirmed that its board has approved funding of $365.1 million for the project. |
Estimated Total Cost
(2025)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Alliance |
Location
New Zealand |
Resources
