The Maungatapu underpass is a two lane link underneath the Maungatapu roundabout, improving the traffic flow around the Maungatapu and Hairini roundabouts. It connects Welcome Bay Road to the Turret Road causeway and a new bridge constructed over the Kaitemako Stream.
The project aimed to ensure travel times and safety levels are improved as the volume of traffic increases in line with the predicted growth of the southern suburbs.
Benefits of the Maungatapu underpass:
The four project phases include:
Stage 1 – Completed December 2008
Traffic signals added to the Maungatapu and Hairini roundabouts.
Stage 2 – Completed March 2011
Improvements to the Fraser Streer/15th Avenue intersection and pedestrian and cycling facilities.
Stage 3 – Investigation
Four-laning from the Cameron Road intersection to the Maungatapu and Hairini roundabouts, including a new duplicate bridge across the causeway.
The outcome of the investigation showed no work is required in the short to medium term within this corridor, although, a better understanding of the wider roading network is required to clarify the longer term needs, and ultimate form of this important transportation corridor.
Stage 4 – Maungatapu underpass design and construction
An underpass was identified as the best way to separate the local traffic from the traffic on SH29A. The two lane link underneath the Maungatapu roundabout will connect directly to Welcome Bay road and will improve traffic flow around the Maungatapu and Hairini roundabouts.
Features of the Maungatapu underpass include: