New Zealand State Highway 23

Route

SH 23 commences in the Hamilton suburb of Frankton at the intersection of Massey Street and SH 1 (Lincoln Street, Greenwood Street). It travels west down Massey Street, changing to Whatawhata Road after a six-leg roundabout in the suburb of Dinsdale. After exiting Hamilton, and reaching the town of Whatawhata it shares a brief concurrency of the north-south SH 39 and crosses the Waipa River. It then continues on over the summit to the Waitetuna valley, through Te Uku and over tributaries of Whaingaroa Harbour, all the way to Raglan where it terminates on Main Road on the approach to the township.

Average annual daily traffic records taken by the NZ Transport Agency measures the volume of traffic is measured at roughly 11800 vehicles per day near the eastern terminus while at km 32 closer to Raglan the AADT is measured at roughly 4100 vehicles per day. SH 23 is classified by the NZTA as a primary collector highway as per the One Network Road Classification.

Route changes

When SH 1 used to run through the Hamilton CBD, SH 23 began at the intersection of Mill Street and Ulster Street. When SH 1 was diverted westwards away from the CBD SH 23 was shortened to where its eastern terminus currently lies.

Speed limits

80 km/h (50 mph) limits apply at Whatawhata (extended westwards in 2012) and Te Uku (introduced in 2012).

Safety

In the decade to 2016 there were 10 deaths and 64 serious injuries on SH23. 30% hit a roadside hazard, 40% hit an oncoming vehicle, 25% were at junctions, 47% involved alcohol and 48% driving too fast. Work by the Safe Roads Alliance in 2016/17 on 2 of the 3 sections of road is estimated to cost $13.2m.

Public transport

A public bus service which traverses the length of SH 23 is provided by Waikato Regional Council.

History

The road was gazetted a State Highway in 1961. In the same year tar-sealing of the road was completed.