Coinciding with a predicted long, hot summer, 3 large scale events are returning to the Bay of Plenty next month.
It’s a busy time of year, says Frankie Evans, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Bay of Plenty Journey Manager.
“There will be more traffic on the roads, and we want everyone to get to where they are going to safely, no matter if you’re going to the beach, to the shops or attending an event.
“If drivers, especially those who may not have visited Tauranga in a while, know what is happening on the roads, they can better prepare for the trip ahead and allow extra time to get to their destination safely.
“Please allow extra time when travelling, particularly on the day of the Juicy Fest event. Where possible, we advise drivers to take alternative routes to avoid the Baypark and Bayfair areas while this event takes place.
“We would also like to remind visitors there have been significant changes to the layout of the road as part of the Bay Link project, especially at the Bayfair and State Highway 29A roundabouts,” says Ms Evans.
Juicy Fest 2024, which takes place at Mercury Arena (formerly Trustpower Baypark Stadium) on Sunday 7 January 2024, is expected to attract a crowd of between 6000 to 8000 festival goers. A public drop off point will be available between Mangatawa Link Road and Tāreha Lane and event buses will be available, running from Gordon Spratt Reserve, Blake Park and Tauranga City.
For this event, there will be a one-way closure between the SH29A roundabout and Mangatawa Link Road for all eastbound traffic from 9am Sunday 7 January to 1am Monday 8 January. Access for vehicles to the Mercury Arena and Truman Lane is via Sandhurst Drive and Mangatawa Link Road; access to Te Maunga transfer station will be maintained.
Later in January, the Calley Homes Tauranga Half Triathlon celebrates 35 years, with the event taking place on Saturday 20 January 2024. This forms part of the Mount Festival of Multisport, and the cycle leg of the triathlon travels along the eastbound lanes of the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (TELTR). These lanes will be closed to all other road users between the Domain Road interchange near Pāpāmoa and the Paengaroa roundabout (intersection of SH2 and SH33) from 5.30am until 1.00pm on the day of the event. The alternative eastbound route for motorists during this time is via the Te Puke Highway. Westbound lanes on the TELTR will be open to traffic.
For safety reasons, the Paengaroa roundabout will be closed to spectators and traffic management will be in place. The best place to watch the event is along Marine Parade and Oceanbeach Road, Mount Maunganui.
Sunday 7 January
Mercury Stadium, 81 Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui
2pm–10pm
Website: juicyfest.co(external link)
Saturday 20 January
Mount Maunganui – Cycle leg Tauranga Eastern Link SH2
6.00am–1.00pm
Website: mountfestival.kiwi(external link)
Bay Dreams is also returning to Tauranga this year with a change of venue.
Wharepai Domain central Tauranga
Thursday 3 January
from 12.00pm
Website: baydreams.co.nz(external link)
For up-to-date information on road works, traffic, detours and delays, please use the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Journey Planner.
