Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
As part of the State Highway 29 Tauriko Enabling Works, works are underway to underground power lines in and around the SH29 and Redwood Lane area to allow for construction of the new roundabout, which will make this stretch of road more resilient and safer.
People travelling on SH29 to and from Tauranga are asked to prepare for overnight stop/go traffic management.
From Monday 22 July to Thursday 25 July, stop/go traffic management and a temporary 30km/h speed limit will be in place between Belk Road and Gargan Road in both directions on SH29 from 8pm to 5am (approx.) each night to install ducting for undergrounding of power lines under SH29 (north of Redwood Lane).
These works are expected to take 4 nights and are weather dependent. If delayed because of weather or other unforeseen issues, it will be carried out on the next suitable night.
While the stop/go traffic controls are in place, road users are asked to prepare for minor delays.
The work is an important step in the construction of the new roundabout and NZTA appreciates people’s understanding and patience. SH29 is a key link between the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, and these works have been planned to minimise disruption to the travelling public and goods, and communities in the area, while keeping road workers and road users safe.
The work is being undertaken in stages, which involves installation of switches and transformers, vegetation clearance to allow for the removal of power poles, and installation of underground ducts before the underground cables can be installed and power changed over to the underground power lines.
In addition, shoulder closures on Redwood Lane and SH29, as well as lane diversions and mobile operations will be in place on SH29.
People are asked to drive with extra care through the SH29/Redwood Lane and Belk Road area while these works are underway.
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 businesses 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.
