There is now a new road layout between Bethlehem and Tauriko as part of the Takitimu North Link project.
Finishing the local roads in this area makes way for the 4-lane expressway to be built underneath.
This big job has seen the relocation of underground cables and pipes, installation of 1660m of subsoil drains, 15,000 cubic metres of dirt moved, construction of the new 100m long bridge and associated tie-in works, as well as construction of the new road and roundabout at St Andrews Drive, and the relocation of Harrison and Cambridge roads.
A massive 445 truck and trailer loads of pavement aggregates and over 50,000 litres of bitumen were delivered to site.
“Working with our partners Tauranga City Council we have been able to improve the Cambridge/Moffat roads intersection, which was previously a tricky spot for road users. Now there are better sight lines and a safer intersection with left and right turning lanes,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Senior Manager Project Services, Jo Wilton.
Works in the area have also allowed for future development of the Smiths Farm area, with a 25m bridge under construction and a fourth leg from St Andrews Drive roundabout, which will provide access.
“Completing extensive work in this area is another great step forward for the project. We’re grateful to our neighbours and the surrounding community for their support and patience as we’ve moved through the different phases. We also acknowledge the mahi of local hapū, who have carried out kaitiaki responsibilities throughout, and played an important role,” Ms Wilton says.
There are a couple of finishing touches to do in the coming week as the final chip beds in, including final line-marking.
Crews expect to break through the ground underneath Cambridge Road overbridge, as part of the 2024/25 earthworks programme soon, to link the new road sections on either side of Moffatt Road.
The project has enjoyed a productive winter earthworks season shifting 120,000 cubic metres of material in the cooler months of the year.
“We are now preparing for the upcoming earthworks season with a target of shifting a further 600,000 cubic metres of material over the warmer months,” says Ms Wilton.
Major work sites are at SH2/Fifteenth Ave, State Highway 29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road, and Minden Road, Te Puna. These sites will have traffic management in place and changes to road layout while works are underway.
Service relocations on Cambridge Road:
Takitimu North Link Stage 1 will connect Tauranga and Te Puna with a new 4-lane expressway. This Road of National Significance contributes to building a transport network that enables people and freight to move around efficiently, quickly, and safely.
Contractors Fulton Hogan/HEB Joint Venture are designing and constructing the project, with BBO the principal’s advisor. The design of Takitimu North Link is being delivered by Beca, with Holmes Consultancy Limited Partnership as a subconsultant.
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The intersection at Cambridge/Moffat roads, to St Andrews Drive roundabout, opened 7 October 2024.
The connection from St Andrews Drive roundabout to Cambridge/Moffat roads opened 7 October 2024, the new bridge at Cambridge Road is pictured in the background – earthworks are due to break through underneath this summer.
Pavements crew make the finishing touches to the local roads between Bethlehem and Tauriko, as part of works on the Takitimu North Link project.
Artist impression – bridge at Cambridge Road, Takitimu North Link.
