$455M roading project complete

The Bay of Plenty's biggest roading project, the $455 million Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL), will open to traffic on August 3, five months ahead of schedule.

The 21 km, four-lane TEL is one of seven Roads of National Significance identified by the government as being crucial to building New Zealand's economy.


People will officially be able to drive on the completed Tauranga Eastern link on August 3. Photo: File.

It includes seven bridges, the country's biggest roundabout, a new 6.8km cycleway, and one of the largest public art pieces currently on display in New Zealand – a 130m long pa sculpture.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges will officially open the TEL on Thursday, July 30, during a ribbon cutting ceremony before it opens to traffic on Monday, August 3.

The Transport Agency's Bay of Plenty highways manager, Niclas Johansson, says the community will get the chance to check out the country's newest road before it opens to traffic, with a community day planned for Saturday, August 1.

'The community is encouraged to join in and explore the TEL,” says Niclas. 'They will get to see areas of the new road that have not been visible from the existing highway.

'This will also be the only time that they will be able to walk on the new motorway.

'We will have buses running up and down the road, for those who don't want to walk the 42km round trip, and a gala area set up at the Domain Interchange where there will be information about the project, food stalls and entertainment.

'It's exciting to open up the road just for the community and we hope many people take up this opportunity to take a look at what has been achieved over the past five years.”

For more information on Saturday's community event, please click here.

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5 comments

Wonderful Project

Posted on 28-07-2015 14:13 | By Bill Gibson-Patmore

We are totally thrilled with all aspects of this massive roading project. It's been as smooth a transition from existing use as it could ever be possible to achieve. The design and construction has been an apparently faultless partnership between several entities and contractors. The finishing work has been an apparent feature from the very beginning, and even as a construction site it had elements of tidiness, safety and landscaping to keep it from becoming visually obstructive. The art and planting features, with landscaping are so well planned, and many so far advanced that they are mature components already. It's a joy to drive the pieces which we already have. The people of, and visitors to, our area have a civil project of which they can rightly be proud. We would like to convey thanks to every person who has worked to produce this magnificent feature! Judy and Bill Gibson-Patmore


Art Work

Posted on 28-07-2015 15:29 | By Margo

I do not think the toll payers will be happy to pay extra for the art work. The toll is too expensive as it is and we will not be using it.


False economy!

Posted on 29-07-2015 10:08 | By jed

Margo, the price of extra fuel using the old route will exceed the toll amount. Not such good thinking.


Cheap compared with many Overseas Toll Roads.

Posted on 29-07-2015 11:03 | By Watcher 1

Personally I feel the NEW Toll charges are very reasonable compared with many Overseas Countries. Lets face it, if you think its expensive you DO HAVE alternative FREE routes. Those paying Road User Charges will be saving by using the NEW Toll Roads. But we also have of many moaners who will NEVER be satisfied.


Cycleway linkup

Posted on 29-07-2015 18:44 | By Floyd

It is a real pity that the cycleway on the Tauranga side of the Kaituna Bridge has not been completed and as a consequence a ride up Bell Rd is inevitable. Is it TCC that dropped the ball here?


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