A new temporary signalised intersection at the Te Maunga junction of State Highway 2 and State Highway 29A is scheduled to be operational this Sunday 27 September.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Portfolio Delivery Manager Darryl Coalter says the signalised intersection will provide construction space to enable the retaining walls for the new Te Maunga interchange bridge to be built, one of the key elements of the Bay Link project.
“Converting the existing Te Maunga roundabout to a signalised intersection provides the team with more space to undertake the extensive work required to build up the walls supporting the new interchange bridge.”
The temporary intersection layout is a signalised T-intersection and includes a pedestrian crossing across SH2.
Some initial delays are expected once the signals are activated, as people adjust to the new layout, says Mr Coalter.
“We’re introducing the temporary signalised intersection during the school holidays, when we typically experience lower traffic volumes. However, we do recommend motorists allow extra time for their journeys, especially during morning and evening peak times.”
Traffic flow will be monitored for around six weeks following the introduction of the new intersection layout and phasing of the traffic signals will be adjusted where required.
“We acknowledge this is a significant change for road users, however, it’s positive to see the progress being made at the southern end of the project. Motorists may have recently witnessed some other key developments such as the mechanically stabilised walls rising out of the ground and construction of a new roundabout near Baypark, now visible from SH29A.”
Signage will advise road users of the new layout and temporary speed limits. A step-down speed limit (from 100km/h to 70km/h and then to 50km/h) will apply on the northbound approach to the Te Maunga intersection from the Tauranga Eastern Link. The 50km/h temporary speed limit will also apply through the new intersection.
The rail level crossing on SH29A will continue to operate with the traffic signals. Marked yellow zones already warn motorists not to queue over the railway lines, and emergency escape bays are being added between the railway lines and the traffic signals. These bays provide an emergency space for any vehicle needing to clear the yellow zone when a train is approaching.
Waka Kotahi urges all road users to take extra care while adjusting to the new layout.
The temporary signalised intersection will be in place while work on the new SH2/SH29A interchange bridge at Te Maunga is underway.
Works to install the intersection are weather dependent and the opening may be delayed in the event of unsuitable weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
For more information, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/baylink
Graphic showing the layout of the new temporary signalised intersection.
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