Construction work is underway to build a major interchange at SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road (TDTR), between Tauriko and Tauranga CBD – 1 of 8 major structures on the Takitimu North Link project.
The design of the SH29/TDTR interchange includes the construction of a 363m flyover bridge to the west of the existing SH29/TDTR, spanning a section of one of Australasia’s largest urban wetlands – the Kopurererua Valley Reserve. A roundabout provides the entry point onto the new highway, and on the eastern side a slip lane will keep traffic flowing from Tauranga CBD towards Tauriko.
Kopurererua Valley – taking care of the environment
This 300ha public park is adjacent to SH29/TDTR connecting Tauriko to Tauranga CBD, providing a safe and enjoyable cycleway track through the wetland. It also provides a connection between the Bethlehem residential areas and the Te Papa Peninsula secondary and intermediate schools.
While the span of the flyover bridge requires piers to be located within the wetland, the design occupies a small footprint of the wetland leaving it largely in its current condition.
Environmental consideration is a major factor across the project, and of particular importance when working in the Kopurererua Valley, before, during and after construction. During pre-vegetation clearance works, more than 100 Copper Skink lizards were salvaged and relocated to a purpose-built habitat on Mauao, Mount Maunganui where ongoing monitoring of their survival continues.
Like the rest of the project site, we have erosion and sediment controls installed around the perimeter to capture and treat sediment laden water prior to discharge. These are monitored prior to, during and post rainfall events with testing undertaken to ensure we’re meeting consent requirements.
The project’s stormwater design in this area includes wetland swales on the eastern side, clear of the gas main which extends through the area. With the stream works required for the stormwater installation, thousands of native fish being safely relocated including shortfin eel, longfin eel and banded kōkopu.
There will be significant planting, supporting the wider ecological wetland improvements as part of the Tauranga City Council Kopurererua Valley Restoration Plan, currently in progress in a partnership with Ngāi Tamarāwaho and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Takitimu Drive Flyover bridge - fast facts
- Super-T structure
- 363m bridge one lane each way
- 14 piles, with the deepest 43 metres
- 400,000m3 earthworks
- Approx. 14-month construction timeframe.
New road layout at SH29/Takitimu Drive interchange
Artist impressions of the completed SH29/Takitimu Drive interchange
Progress pictures
