The start of a $20m roading project designed to secure future growth and provide a second exit for residents of Papamoa East has been welcomed by advocates of the project, Tauranga City Councillors Steve Morris and Leanne Brown.

John Middleton and Rick Hannay from PEERS Group with Tauranga City Councillors Leanne Brown and Steve Morris Photo: supplied.

'While many focus their attention on discretionary projects in the CBD, this major piece of core infrastructure for our city is underway. We're on track to deliver the promised road right down to Emerald Shores Drive by 2018 as well as additional water supply and stormwater upgrades” said Cr Morris

'We are continually putting pressure on our transportation and planning departments to expedite roading in Papamoa, balancing the just-in-time infrastructure commitments, and we are making progress, albeit not quite as fast as we would like, but every incremental section of new road is a step in the right direction" said Cr Brown

Construction has also been welcomed by Rick Hannay from the Papamoa East Evacuation and Road Safety Group (PEERS) who brought a 1,400 strong petition Council in 2013 calling for construction of the road to be brought forward.

'PEERS Group is keen to ensure that the first stage of Te Okuroa Drive is completed as a priority and urges Developers to commit to bringing forward the access/egress route connecting both the Palm Springs and Golden Sands subdivisions via Te Okuroa Drive through to the Parton Road/Tara Road roundabout.”

To cater for the rapid growth of Papamoa East and ease the burden on existing residents the new Council brought the project forward five years.

It will ease congestion on the eastern section of Papamoa Beach Rd.

'The 6,000 residents of Papamoa East have been very patient. The small road started in the 1950s to service a few baches doesn't serve existing residents well at peak times anymore let alone cater for future growth.

'That's is why I've argued for this project from day one on Council. Residents are quite right to demand that core infrastructure affecting their everyday lives comes first” said Cr Morris.

In addition to Te Okuroa Drive Council is investing $200,000 constructing a new roundabout on the corner of Papamoa Beach Rd and Parton Rd.

'The new roundabout should be completed by the end of June, easing tension and improving connectivity at the busy intersection” said Cr Brown.