Big changes could be coming to Morrinsville Road and the clock is ticking for community input.
Hamilton City Council (HCC), backed 100% by NZTA Waka Kotahi funding, is proposing major upgrades between the Burger King roundabout and the proposed new “peanut” roundabout at Matangi Road. The stated goal? To make the stretch safer and easier for people walking, scootering, and biking, especially students and the wider local community.
But not everyone’s convinced this is the right move, or the right spend.
What’s on the table
The proposal includes footpaths on both sides of the road, an underpass near Burger King, controlled crossings near Berkley Normal School, and traffic calming measures throughout the corridor. Construction could begin as early as January 2026 — with two options on the table:
A four-month full closure, or
An eight to nine-month build with one lane open.
Either way, those using Matangi Road to access Hillcrest can expect major disruption during the works.
Questions the community is asking
Are new crossings really needed when footpaths and underpasses already exist?
How will this affect school traffic when, realistically, most families still drive or bus?
Could narrowing Morrinsville Road actually increase congestion and risk, rather than reduce it?
If NZTA wasn’t footing the bill, would HCC still push this project so hard or would it fall down the priority list?
Shouldn’t we focus on projects with clearer community benefit instead of what some call a “vanity project”?
There’s also the issue of speed limits. NZTA is consulting on changes between the Burger King and LIC roundabouts:
HCC wants 60 km/h from the peanut to LIC,
WDC prefers 80 km/h,
NZTA suggests a mix — perhaps 70 km/h.
So whose call should it be, and what’s actually safest for locals?
Have your say before decisions are made
Council wants to hear from residents before final decisions are locked in.
👉 Submit your views here CLICK HERE
