People will be able to see the proposed footprint of Stage Two of the Takitimu North Link project with public engagement now open – marking a significant step forward to protect this route, and extending the new State Highway 2 onward to Ōmokoroa.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has published draft plans for the 7km expressway and shared path online at nzta.govt.nz/takitimunorth. Local people in Te Puna, Whakamārama and Ōmokoroa areas will receive information packs through the post during July.
Regional Manager System Design, Jess Andrew, says it’s no surprise there is a high level of interest in how this project is progressing.
“We are keen for people to have the time to look at the draft plan for this road, and give their feedback which will be taken into account as we further develop these proposals. This is an opportunity to look at progress and tell us what you like, dislike, and share if we have missed anything.”
“There has been a significant amount of work completed to get to this point, with funding to protect the route provided through the New Zealand Upgrade Programme.
“This process will give councils, landowners and the community certainty of the route and ensures Waka Kotahi is best placed to move forward when funding for construction becomes available,” says Ms Andrew.
Designation and resource consents are scheduled to be lodged with Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council in the second half of 2023.
“As part of developing the applications, a thorough review of the alignment options has been undertaken, and technical assessments including geotechnical testing, ecological, site contamination and engineering investigations carried out. Consultation and discussions with landowners, local hapū, local government are ongoing, and now is the opportunity for the community to get involved.”
Before we lodge designation and resource consent applications, we invite people to view designs and resources online at nzta.govt.nz/takitimunorth where comments can be submitted directly. Any comments or feedback on the project can be submitted using the form online, or by emailing bopprojects@nzta.govt.nz We encourage people to share this information with anyone who may be interested.
The engagement period will be open from 3 July to 4 August 2023.
Approval of the designation and resource consents will protect the route and provide certainty that the project can be constructed when funding becomes available.
Route protection is intended to protect the land from any development which could potentially make construction of the project more difficult in the future. It does not finalise exact details of where any future road would be built but sets out the footprint of the land required to build it.
Once route protection is secured, the next stages, after funding is confirmed, include property acquisition, detailed design, tendering and construction. Investment in transport infrastructure is set out in the Urban Form and Transport Initiative for the western Bay of Plenty and this is an important strategic corridor.
About the engagement period
3 July to 4 August 2023.
Go to nzta.govt.nz/takitimunorth to view designs and submit directly or email to bopprojects@nzta.govt.nz
About Takitimu North Link Stage Two (Te Puna to Ōmokoroa)
The Stage Two (Te Puna to Ōmokoroa) project is an extension of Stage One between Tauranga and Te Puna.
It will include:
Read more about the project and submit feedback at nzta.govt.nz/takitimunorth
