Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
The SH29 Tauriko Enabling Works will enter the next phase of works in the SH29/Redwood Lane area once semi-permanent traffic management has been installed.
The team is making progress preparing the site for the next stage says Jo Wilton, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Regional Manager – Infrastructure Delivery Waikato/Bay of Plenty.
“The team on site has been busy getting everything in place to kick off the next phase of works including installing environmental controls to manage stormwater runoff and protect waterways, site establishment and vegetation clearance,” Ms Wilton says.
“We’re now ready to move into the next phase of works which requires semi-permanent traffic management for the construction period at SH29/Redwood Lane.
“Safety is paramount, especially on a busy highway like SH29, and we will be installing guardrails and barriers on both sides of SH29 near Redwood Lane and Belk Road. They will clearly outline the construction area, and require minor maintenance, which means less disruption to traffic flow over the course of the construction period for the SH29/Redwood Lane works.
“This approach allows us to minimise the use of road cones while still ensuring the safety of road users and crew and keeping traffic flowing.
“This arrangement is expected to remain in place for the duration of works until late 2025.
“In the coming months you will see the site taking further shape with works underway to prepare for the construction of the roundabout. Crews will start carting fill to site, implementing additional erosion controls such as sediment ponds, building a noise wall, and removing and undergrounding existing services, including overhead power lines and telecommunication infrastructure.”
Overnight works to install guardrail and barriers
To minimise disruption to the community, work to install the semi-permanent guardrails and barriers has been programmed to take place at night, and during the planned SH29 Kaimai Range resealing closure.
From Sunday 19 May to Thursday 23 May, from approximately 8pm to 5am each night, there will be stop/go in place and a temporary speed limit of 30km/h on SH29 (between south of Belk Road and north of Redwood Lane), and on Redwood Lane and Belk Road at the intersection with SH29. Access to Redwood Lane and Belk Road will remain open for the duration of the works.
This work is weather dependent and only minor delays are expected due to reduced traffic over the Kaimai Range.
Semi-permanent traffic management from late May
Once the guardrail and barriers are installed:
- a temporary 70km/h speed limit will be in place at all times. The only exception to this will be if night works are necessary, and these will be notified in advance.
- access in and out of Redwood Lane will remain available. The left turn slip lanes into Redwood Lane and Belk Road will be closed, the right turn bay into Redwood Lane will remain open.
- one lane in each direction will be available at all times. SH29 shoulders will be closed, and the lanes will operate at a reduced width.
- less than minor traffic delays are expected for SH29 traffic and minor delays for Redwood Lane traffic.
People are asked to drive with extra care through the SH29/Redwood Lane and Belk Road area, while people adjust to the new traffic management.
Temporary traffic management ensures the safety of all road users, the community, and our teams. People travelling, are asked to allow extra time, follow the instructions provided by our on-site team members and adhere to all temporary signage.
NZTA thanks drivers, local residents and business for their patience.
The SH29 Tauriko Enabling Works are being delivered by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi together with Tauranga City Council. Downer has been awarded the construction contract for the project.
At SH29/Redwood Lane the upgrades include:
- a new roundabout at SH29/Redwood Lane to connect to Tauriko Business Estate via Kaweroa Drive and provide access to the southern part of Tauriko West via Redwood Lane. Trucks coming from the Waikato will have an additional access to the Tauriko Business Estate and won’t have to travel all the way to the Takitimu Drive roundabout.
- a new shared walking and cycling path connecting Redwood Lane to Kaweroa Drive, crossing underneath SH29. This will provide walking and cycling access between the Tauriko Business Estate and the future community at Tauriko West.
- closure of the existing SH29/Belk Road intersection, with traffic redirected through Tauriko Business Estate to the new SH29/Redwood Lane roundabout. The existing SH29/Belk Road intersection will be closed once the connecting roads and the new SH29/Redwood Lane roundabout have been completed, providing a safer connection.
