20 November update: Despite some pretty poor weather this week, the Bay Link project team have finished the SH29A works ahead of schedule and the advertised closure will not be required tonight.
As well as completing the preparation of the SH29A roundabout at Baypark for its final layer of surfacing, rock erosion protection at Maungatapu Bridge abutment and resealing work were also completed during the road closure.
It’s a great outcome for road users who have experienced disruption and detours over the last five nights.
This updates the media release below:
10 November
From Sunday 19 November, State Highway 29A between the Maungatapu roundabout and SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange will be fully closed in both directions for six consecutive nights to prepare the SH29A roundabout at Baypark for its final layer of surfacing.
People will be detoured via SH2, local roads and the Hairini bridge. Access to Baypark and Truman Lane will be available from the SH2 Sandhurst interchange.
“Closing this section of SH29A overnight is significant and includes considerable detours in addition to an already busy and changing road layout throughout the Baypark to Bayfair Link site, and we would like to acknowledge the disruption and thank people for their ongoing patience,” says Jo Wilton, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Waikato/Bay of Plenty.
“SH29A is a busy urban road within Tauranga, and a key route for High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMV) and heavy haulage vehicles travelling through the western Bay of Plenty.
“With a road closure of this scale, it is important to us to ensure we optimise the time the road is closed while minimising disruption to road users. Multiple crews from various roading authorities may be working on different sections of the closed road at the same time, to make the most of the closure.
“Closing the road keeps our crews working around the roundabout safe while also reducing the overall time they are required on site meaning it can be done in the safest and shortest possible time,” says Ms Wilton.
Detour details:
From Sunday 19 November to Friday 24 November 2023 (between 7pm and 5am each night):
This work is weather dependent. If it is delayed because of weather or other unforeseen issues, it will be carried out on the next suitable night/s.
This overnight closure of this section of SH29A and associated detours will be required for approximately one further week of night shifts to apply the final surfacing. Further information will be communicated when dates for this work are confirmed.
The final phase at the Bay Link project is underway and involves replacing all existing roads within the extent of the Bay Link site to support heavier and a higher number of vehicles. People travelling through the area will continue to encounter overnight road and lane closures, and signposted detours.
The closures continue to vary night to night, depending on site requirements and progress and people are asked to allow extra time, follow signposted detours and drive with caution through the project site.
To minimise impact, works are undertaken at night where possible with the aim to minimise disruption to people travelling through the area.
Road users can check the latest state highway road conditions, including where worksites and incidents are, on the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner (journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)).
Waka Kotahi thanks drivers, local residents and business for their patience.
Find out more at nzta.govt.nz/baylink
