Public invited to behind the scenes look at TEL project this Sunday

The NZ Transport Agency is inviting the public to a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the largest roading project ever undertaken in the Bay of Plenty, the Tauranga Eastern Link, one of seven of the Government’s Roads of National Significance.

TEL Senior Project Manager Wayne Troughton says the open day will give people an opportunity to see areas of the new road not visible from the existing highway.

“This is a first, as only construction vehicles have been allowed through these areas and is an opportunity not to be missed.”

The TEL family open day will be held this Sunday 17 November from 10.00am to 2.00pm.  Visitors will need to park at the Generation Homes site on Doncaster Drive (off Tara Road) and a free bus service  to the new Kaituna River bridge site will be available from the Papamoa College bus bay, across the road from the car park area.

The NZ Transport Agency would like to reiterate that the only way to this venue is via the free buses from Papamoa College as there is no parking available near the Kaituna River bridge.  

What you can expect to see and do on the day? 

• Be one of the first to walk over the new Kaituna River bridge, the longest bridge on the project
• Get close to construction machinery used on the project, kids can bring their toys to play in the large sandpit available
• Bring your camera and have a photo taken with our photo boards
• Get your TEL questions answered at the Information Hub
• See images of construction progress
• Take an aerial view via a short helicopter ride of the TEL available from $30 up to $65 per person. Please bring your money with you
• Food and drink from local schools and charities will be available to purchase or bring your own picnic lunch.

Mr Troughton says the day will be a fun filled event for families and the wider community.

“There is certainly plenty to do and project staff will be happy to answer any questions you have about the project.”

As parts of the site are still under construction, Mr Troughton asks visitors to follow the signs and stay within the permitted areas.  Unfortunately, pets or bikes are not permitted to this event.

“We are expecting a good turnout on what we are expecting to be a good day weather-wise, so we ask people to be sun smart and bring a hat, sunscreen and be patient if they do encounter queues.”

Due to this event delays are possible particularly between 10.00am to 2.00pm, motorists using State Highway 2 are also advised to allow for delay time in their journey or to use an alternate route if heading to Rotorua or further south such as State Highway 36/Pyes Pa Road. 

The TEL is recognised as a Road of National Significance. Construction of the Bay’s largest ever roading project commenced in November 2010 and the 23km TEL is expected to be completed by late 2015, providing a number of benefits to the community and the wider Bay of Plenty region including improved travel times between Paengaroa and Tauranga, safer travel, development opportunity for Papamoa, more efficient connections for businesses and tourism and a more direct access to the Port of Tauranga for freight.