The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) this week released the tender for the investigation into improvements on State Highway 29 near Tauriko.
This access into Tauranga is surrounded by development and a growing number of local road users have to contend with the high proportion of heavy vehicles on this key freight route heading between the Waikato and the Port of Tauranga. The investigation aims to develop a way to improve safety and effectiveness for all road users.
Earlier studies identified options for the route varying from realignments to a complete bypass of Tauriko. The $1.5 million investigation will review the options, consider their social and environmental effects, select the most appropriate solution after public consultation, undertake geotechnical studies and develop a preliminary design for the preferred route.
Rod James, the NZTA’s State Highway Manager for the Bay of Plenty, says the tender process will run for two months.
“The successful tenderer will be appointed in August and get work underway in September. People can expect to hear from us with potential options later in 2010.”
The investigation is expected to take a year to complete.
