Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
A new connection is set to open in Tauriko with the completion of the fourth and final leg of the State Highway 29 (SH29) Redwood Lane roundabout.
The roundabout, part of the Tauriko Enabling Works project, opened to traffic in May this year while work continued on the Kaweroa Drive extension. That work is now complete, and the connection will officially open to traffic on Saturday 15 November.
SH29/Redwood Lane roundabout
Darryl Coalter, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Acting Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery says this marks a major milestone for the project.
“This roundabout is one of 4 key intersection upgrades being delivered through the Tauriko Enabling Works. It will improve safety, provide a vital new connection, and unlock further access to the Tauriko Business Estate.
“The new Kaweroa Drive link will make it easier for industrial and commercial traffic to reach businesses within the estate, while helping to spread traffic more evenly between SH29 and State Highway 36 (SH36). It also includes new pedestrian signals to improve safety for people walking and cycling in the area.”
Tauriko Ward Councillor Marten Rozeboom says the Kaweroa Drive extension is another key piece of infrastructure that’s been completed at pace and will connect future residential, employment and commercial areas.
“Progress has occurred fast in this area and it’s great to see this extension opening before the end of the year, with momentum continuing.”
Tauranga City Council will monitor traffic volumes on local roads in the business estate once the connection to the Redwood Lane roundabout is open.
The opening of the Kaweroa Drive link also enables works to start on a new connection between Belk Road and Taurikura Drive, within the Tauriko Business Estate – which in turn will allow for closure of the existing SH29/Belk Road intersection.
The roundabout will stay in its temporary layout for the remainder of the year, with one lane in each direction on SH29 and a reduced speed limit of 50km/h. This allows work to continue on the additional SH29 lanes, opening the pedestrian and cyclist underpass, and finishing the landscaping.
Once completed, the roundabout will have 2 lanes in each direction on SH29. All work in the Redwood Lane section is on track to be completed by early 2026.
Meanwhile, in Tauriko Village, the project has recently marked one year of construction. Crews began work in mid-September 2024, and the area has since been transformed, laying the groundwork for future development. This includes a new intersection, road (Te Ara Hoia Drive), and carpark for Tauriko School and Playcentre.
Construction continues on widening SH29 through the village and preparing SH29/Cambridge Road for a new signalised intersection.
