Stage One Tauranga to Te Puna
Stage One will have a separated walking and cycling path along the entire length. The project includes a new bridge crossing at Wairoa Awa (river), an overbridge interchange at Minden Road/ Te Rangituanehu, underpasses at Cambridge Road and Wairoa Road, a new west-bound single lane connection from Fifteenth Avenue to Takitimu Drive Toll Road, and a northbound flyover and southbound bypass lane at the SH29 interconnection/interface.
It includes eight bridges that cross over or under the corridor totalling 1.6km of the 6.8km alignment, made up of 45 spans and approximately 12km of piles, they range in length from 20m to 360m and in height from 6m to 25m.
This is a large infrastructure project which involves facing complex issues over a period of time before, during and after construction. Known impacts on Takitimu North Link Stage One are indicated below.
- Escalation variance – Increases in material and labour costs. This continues to be volatile and subject to change.
- Property acquisition and COVID-19 – Delay contract award due to completion of property acquisition and archaeology investigations due to COVID-19.
- Property – Higher than expected property costs.
- Other cost changes – Project design refinements for stormwater and drainage construction requirements.
- Delays to land access.
The first two construction seasons have been impacted by property acquisition, COVID-19 related delays to the programme of archaeological work, a record-breaking summer for rainfall and delays to land access. It is too soon to say what effect these collective issues will have on the project, this is under assessment. We anticipate a revised cost and an estimated project completion date will be provided mid-2024.
Cambridge Road Overbridge
The Cambridge Road overbridge will carry Cambridge Road traffic over the carriageway of the expressway. The bridge will be constructed using a top-down construction method, this means the bridge is built on the current ground alignment and then we excavate underneath for the new road.
Wairoa Awa (river) Bridge
The Wairoa Awa (river) is the most significant natural feature of the alignment, and of cultural importance. The awa provides access to some of the best parks and recreation opportunities.
Te Rangituanehu / Minden overbridge
This interchange is a collection of three bridges providing on and off ramps. Planting will complement the orchards on the western side, and the gully on the east. Wetland swales will treat stormwater coming off the bridge. Te Hakao is an area of cultural significance as the stream is an important tributary that links the mouth of the Wairoa River to Rangituanehu (Minden).
Concept map
Stage One Tauranga to Te Puna concept map [PDF, 1.2 MB]
Stage Two Te Puna to Ōmokoroa
We are progressing to protect the route for Stage Two of the project between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa. Further work beyond route protection, including construction, will require funding through the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) and this is unlikely within the next 10 years.
Help build the TNL
Want to work on the Bay of Plenty’s biggest roading projects under construction? Contractors Fulton Hogan and HEB Joint Venture are looking for crew.
For more information contact info@takitimunorthlink.co.nz
