Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
The western Bay of Plenty’s most significant roading project has moved another step forward with the first part of the design and construct contract awarded for Takitimu North Link – Stage One.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has announced Fulton Hogan and HEB Joint Venture as the successful contractors.
Waka Kotahi National Manager System Design, Robyn Elston says, “this is a significant commitment and step forward for the Takitimu North Link project, and we know it will be welcome news for the western Bay of Plenty community, which has been supportive of this project for some time.”
“Awarding the contract in this way enables the design to get underway while property negotiations are still being completed. Subject to this, construction for Stage One is expected to start later this year,” says Ms Elston.
This is an important milestone for the NZ Upgrade Programme (NZUP) which is investing $6.8 billion in road, public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure to improve travel choices, save lives and boost productivity in growth areas. The programme provides a pipeline of jobs and work for the construction sector, with about 800 people already working on projects around the country.
Fulton Hogan and HEB Joint Venture bring significant experience in building major roading infrastructure, having designed and constructed the Tauranga Eastern Link and the Huntly section of the Waikato Expressway. They are also part of the Alliance delivering Te Ahu a Turanga (Manawatū Tararua Highway).
“The community can expect to see some preparatory activities on site, with geotechnical investigations due to get underway across the project length starting this week. The Waka Kotahi project team will be working with the contractors to develop detailed designs for the interchange at Minden Road, a new bridge crossing the Wairoa Awa (River), an underpass at Cambridge Road and Wairoa Road, and a new connection from Fifteenth Avenue to the Takitimu Drive Toll Road,” says Ms Elston.
The Joint Venture Project Director, Tony Gallagher, says his team is delighted to begin this project for one of the Bay of Plenty’s most significant roading projects to improve safety and access.
“We know the community is excited to see this progress after many years of planning. We are looking forward to partnering with Waka Kotahi and mana whenua and building connections with the community, local government and road users.”
There is an opportunity to speak to the project team at the Tauriko for Tomorrow(external link) pop-up at Tauranga Crossing from Wednesday 12 to Sunday 16 May 2021.
About the project
The Takitimu North Link project will support urban growth in the western Bay of Plenty and is a key part of the region’s Connected Centres programme developed by the Urban Form and Transport Initiative (UFTI).
SH2 is a busy highway with a poor safety record and the pressures of this have been felt in this community for some time. This section of state highway between Waihī and Tauranga has developed into a busy commuter and freight route as well as an important tourist link for the northern Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Peninsula. It is also one of New Zealand’s highest risk rural roads.
Western Bay of Plenty communities are projected to grow by 16,000 people in the next 20 years, and traffic crossing the Wairoa Bridge increasing from 20,000 to more than 30,000 daily by 2031.
Read more about the project at nzta.govt.nz/takitimunorth(external link)
About the New Zealand Upgrade Programme
Waka Kotahi is delivering 20 major projects for the NZ Upgrade Programme that support a shift to greater transport choice with a balanced investment in public transport, new or upgraded roads, walking and cycling.
The programme is already supporting jobs and the economy, with about 800 people developing projects and getting them ready for construction. The number of jobs will grow as more contracts are awarded to complete project designs, finalise construction plans and get workers on site to start construction.
Significant progress has been made on the NZ Upgrade Programme since it was established with 13 projects, including SH1 Papakura to Drury South in Auckland and SH58 stage 2 safety improvements in Wellington, under construction. Further projects will start construction this year, including SH1/Walnut Ave in Ashburton and Takitimu North Link Stage One (which is subject to property negotiations).
We’ve also been engaging with communities for their input to further develop designs and preferred routes as well as getting projects ready for construction.
The programme will play a vital role in helping to stimulate the economy and support the country as it recovers from the impacts of Covid-19.
Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey this summer. Keep up to date with:
