All systems go on Baypark-Bayfair link

The first stage of the $102 million Baypark to Bayfair (B2B) Link Upgrade in Tauranga looks set to start before Christmas.

The Transport Agency's Bay of Plenty highways manager, Niclas Johansson has confirmed that the railway relocation work is the first phase of the State Highway 2 project.


An aerial shot of SH2 showing the B2B site. Photo: Supplied.

'The project team is working closely with KiwiRail on the enabling works, which involves relocating the East Coast Main Trunk railway line to the west of Owens Place,” says Niclas.

'The relocation work will be carried out in two stages. Fulton Hogan have been awarded the $4.1 million contract to carry out the first stage, which involves preparing the site of the new railway line.

'Fulton Hogan will be doing the earthworks and drainage as well as building a noise wall and two retaining walls alongside the site of the new railway.”

Niclas says the initial work will start this week and is expected to take five to six months.

Once finished, KiwiRail will start on stage two of the relocation, setting ballast, installing signals and laying new track.

The railway line is expected to be relocated by late 2016, with work on the second phase of the project set to start in 2017, following the tender process.

The finished project will see two flyovers built on State Highway 2. One will take the road over the Maunganui-Girven Road roundabout, with the second routing State Highway 29A over the railway line and the Te Maunga intersection.

Once completed, the Baypark to Bayfair Link Upgrade will reduce congestion and improve safety by separating local and state highway traffic, and encourage economic growth in the region by improving the route to the Port of Tauranga.

The Transport Agency aims to have the flyovers open to traffic in 2020.

The Baypark to Bayfair Link upgrade will connect to the $455 million Tauranga Eastern Link, completing what is known as the ‘Eastern Corridor' for the Bay of Plenty.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges welcomed the news that work is set to start, saying: 'It is exciting to see another transport project get underway that will support Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty's economic and population growth for decades to come.

'Once it is finished it will make a real difference to people's travel.”

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7 comments

Exciting Simon Bridges-Yea Right

Posted on 24-11-2015 16:48 | By Taffy

Another 4 years at least before it's finished. It will be total chaos at both roundabouts,why the hell the transport agency didn,t put them with construction of the new road it,s all part of the state Highway system. At this rate Mr Bridges it will be 2030 before you fix Turrett Road do you think that's exciting!!!


Um, strange lot thye NZTA gurus.

Posted on 24-11-2015 18:01 | By Murray.Guy

Never understood why this section wasn't 'first off the block' as until it is finished the value of the Eastern Arterial will never be realised. Would have thought it was common sense?


Four Years?

Posted on 24-11-2015 22:18 | By astex

The Chinese would have it all done and dusted in that many months. I guess we have too much BS involved.


Design issue.

Posted on 25-11-2015 02:35 | By keepitgreen

It looks to me like this design has an issue with traffic coming from maungatapu onto maunganui road. It would appear that you can't travel over the first fly over (over train tracks), and get into the correct lane in time for the second fly over (over Girvin road). Correct me please if i am wrong but it looks to me all left turning traffic from Maungatapu is going to essentialy be backed up at the girvin road lights.


Exciting alright!

Posted on 25-11-2015 08:10 | By dbunk

Important to keep traffic from Papamoa which is fast becoming the beachside metropolis it was destined to be aswell as TEL traffic flowing smoothly without traffic from Maungatapu affecting this. Also without the toll like the lakes district is hit with. Hit the nail on the head here Simon. Count down the days to a free run to CBD


still going to be traffic jams

Posted on 25-11-2015 10:34 | By rotovend

I do wonder when public transport will become the priority? Whether its buses, trains or by water no mater the truth is you can build as many roads as you like but they will always be clogged if you have no alternative


Be Thankful with What You Have

Posted on 25-11-2015 11:04 | By Road Ranger

Thank your lucky stars that local & national government agencies are doing their best to make it easier to get around this area. Remember there are a number of challenges with restrictions due to waterway and the tremendous growth in the BoP. If you are not happy here why not move about 200kms north and sit in traffic "all" day!!


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