The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board this week approved $1.2 million to fund an investigation to upgrade the Maunganui / Girven Road intersection on State Highway 2.
The existing roundabout is one of the busiest intersections in Tauranga City. Traffic volumes have steadily increased over the last 10 years to more than 35,000 vehicles per day including approximately 2200 heavy commercial vehicles. The roundabout is frequently congested causing significant delays to road users.
Harry Wilson, NZTA’s Regional Director for the Bay of Plenty, says the investigation will consider ways to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow and safety at the intersection.
“The investigation will survey and model current and predicted volumes of traffic, undertake geotechnical testing, examine crash data records, and assess the potential social and environmental impacts of any upgrade. It will consider all previously-identified options, including a signalised roundabout and a two or four lane fly-over and identify the preferred option. It will also consider ways to accelerate the detailed design and construction of the preferred option.
“The location of this intersection between the recently completed Harbour Link project and the soon-to-be-underway Tauranga Eastern Link means it’s in urgent need of upgrading to allow the highway to remove the current bottleneck and provide a consistent level of service.
The investigation will identify the most effective solution to improve safety and effectiveness for all road users,” says Mr Wilson.
The investigation will begin later this year and is expected is take 15 months to complete.
