A new flyover linking State Highway 29 and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road has opened to traffic.
This marks a major milestone in the construction of the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project, Transport Minister Chris Bishop said in a media release.
Bishop said the opening represented a significant step forward for the Road of National Significance project, which aims to improve connections between Tauranga and Te Puna.
“Takitimu North Link Stage 1 is a significant investment in the western Bay of Plenty.
“The new 6.8km four-lane expressway will support economic growth and productivity by providing a more reliable, resilient and safer connection for road users and freight operators between Tauranga and Te Puna.”
The 367m-long flyover forms part of a major interchange being built where SH29 meets the Takitimu Drive Toll Road between Tauriko and Tauranga’s CBD.
Spanning part of the Kōpūrererua Valley Reserve, one of Australasia’s largest urban wetlands, the structure has been constructed within a sensitive environmental setting.
The project has involved about 400,000cu m of earthworks, while the bridge itself was built using large precast concrete beams supported by 14 piles, with the deepest extending 67m underground.
A new flyover linking SH29 and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road has opened to traffic, marking a major milestone in the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project. Photo / NZTA
Motorists heading towards Tauranga’s city centre are now travelling on the new flyover, while a new slip lane has also opened to improve traffic movements towards Tauriko.
Work on the interchange remains ongoing, including construction of a roundabout beneath the bridge that will eventually provide access to the Takitimu North Link.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi regional manager infrastructure delivery for Waikato and Bay of Plenty Adrian Jones said reaching the milestone was a proud moment for the project team.
“The team is proud to have reached this point and this milestone reflects a huge amount of planning, coordination and hard work by the project team and crews on the ground.”
With construction continuing in the area, Jones urged motorists to follow temporary traffic management measures.
“Drivers are reminded to follow the posted signs and drive to the temporary 70km/h speed limit on the new flyover,” he said.
“That speed limit is there to keep everyone safe – including people travelling through the area and our crews working nearby.”
The overall Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project is now in its fifth year of construction. Earthworks and the project’s 10 major structures are nearing completion, while crews have begun laying the first sections of asphalt as the focus shifts to pavement and drainage works.
Bishop said the project would play a critical role in supporting growth across the Bay of Plenty.
“The Bay of Plenty is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions, and the state highway network plays a crucial role in moving people and freight to and from Tauranga, Auckland, Hamilton and the Port of Tauranga.
“The Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project is about making those journeys more efficient, reliable and safe.”
The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.
More information: NZTA SH29–Takitimu Drive Interchange project