The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has awarded the contract for the investigation into improvements on State Highway 29 near Tauriko.
Opus International Consultants Ltd was awarded the $1.2 million contract last Friday that aims to develop a way to improve safety and efficiency for all road users.
Earlier studies of the route identified options varying from realignments to a complete bypass of Tauriko. This investigation will review possible options, consider their social and environmental effects, select the most appropriate solution after public consultation, undertake geotechnical studies and develop a preliminary design for the preferred route.
This access into Tauranga is surrounded by development and a growing number of local road users have to contend with the high proportion of heavy vehicles on this key freight route heading between the Waikato and the Port of Tauranga.
Kevin Reid, the NZTA’s Projects Team Manager for the Bay of Plenty, says the investigation will get underway in September.
“People can expect to hear from us with potential options for their consideration later in 2010,” says Mr Reid.
The investigation will take approximately a year to complete.
