Katikati bypass approved

Traffic travelling through Katikati currently backs-up a far as the eye can see at peak traffic times.

For decades they've pleaded for a bypass – and now the Katikati community is going to get one.

The New Zealand Transport Agency has completed an assessment of the Katikati town centre and concluded a bypass will be added to the State Highway 2 Waihi to Tauranga programme.

Since the $520 million Waihi to Tauranga programme was announced by Transport Minister Simon Bridges in April 2016, further investigations have been undertaken to develop detailed solutions along the corridor, including for Katikati.

NZTA Central North Island regional relationships director Parekawhia McLean says the new information has shown the number of vehicles using the road is growing much faster than expected.

'Over the last few years we've seen strong growth in traffic volumes, with the number of vehicles on the road in 2016 increasing by over six per cent near Katikati and over 12 per cent between Omokoroa and Tauranga.

'While further work will be required to determine the best route for a bypass and the timing for design and construction, it's clear that removing the state highway from the town centre will keep people safe, continue to improve reliability for locals and tourists and improve access to Katikati.”

As well as safety works planned for the road between Omokoroa and Te Puna, the agency will also look to bring forward other improvementsto support economic growth and development.”

Parekawhia says the agency expects to be in a position to provide the community with more information on the timing, possible form and indicative cost of the bypass later this year.

'There's still a lot of work to be done and we'll keep the community fully informed as we progress.”

Public open days on the SH2 Waihi to Tauranga programme will be held later this month.

The Government's long term goal for the State Highway 2 corridor between Waihi and Tauranga is to reduce death and serious injury, support economic growth, and improve journey predictability.

Simon says today's announcement is a significant one.

'This is a significant transport investment for the wider Bay of Plenty region. I'm pleased that the particular concerns of the Katikati community are being taken on board as we work to improve safety and increase economic growth in the region,.

'While the Transport Agency will need to undertake further work to finalise the details, they are committed to removing state highway traffic from the town centre to keep people safe and improve access to Katikati.

'The investment being made through this programme will transform State Highway 2 between Tauranga and Waihi, including significant safety improvements which will reduce fatal and serious injury crashes on the route, while at the same time reducing congestion and supporting strong growth along the route.

"This will make a noticeable difference for motorists and ease freight movement," says Simon.

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12 comments

Yo, it must be

Posted on 14-03-2017 14:47 | By The Caveman

ELECTION YEAR !!!


No Need

Posted on 14-03-2017 15:00 | By dbunk

No need for a bypass, people just need to be patient, time your trip wisely and you will never be late, Money would be better spent on an Museum in Tauranga.


Good , but....

Posted on 14-03-2017 15:01 | By jed

Don't speed the 520 million to get to Waihi.... build a tunnel under the kaimais first. That will significantly reduce the waihi tauranga traffic levels, perhaps such that the existing road will not need upgrading.


Its election year!

Posted on 14-03-2017 15:07 | By waiknot

Turret Rd was also going to get major improvements in a prior election year. Simple Simon hasn't delivered that yet.


What, dbunk?

Posted on 14-03-2017 15:33 | By Chris

Money would be better spent on a Tauranga Museum? Since when is NZTA funding used for museums?


Be careful what you wish for....

Posted on 14-03-2017 16:04 | By GreertonBoy

Ask the folk on Route 66 in the states what bypassing a town does to the town... bypassing leads to obsolescence. Any business that relies on passing trade will have to get used to just catering for a few locals.... so those businesses better start thinking about what they will do once the bypass goes through. Once the traffic stops, so does business.


About time

Posted on 14-03-2017 16:35 | By doff

Funny how often decisions are only made when there is an election coming up!


here we go again

Posted on 14-03-2017 16:40 | By old trucker

Simple Simon is flapping his gums again, (BECAUSE)its election year, this was PROMISED years ago,for Kati Kati, gosh $520 million could have built a super highway 20yrs ago when they bought up all that land to bypass tepuna.its all smoke and mirrors,it does not say when it is going to start, its all double yellow lines to kati,and dangerous wire fences,it will not get done as Turret Rd was going to be 4 lanes (PROMISED)that never got done, its all for VOTES for( SIMPLE) watch this space,my thoughts only,SUNLIVE is No1 for NEWS in the BAY,Thankyou 10-4 out.


Finally

Posted on 14-03-2017 18:01 | By aussie_jo

For all those against the bypass I say this. Come and live in Katikati. With traffic these days it is a nightmare. You can't hear yourself speak, fumes are disgusting and locals have no chance to find a park in town. Crossing the road has become dangerous. This bypass should have happened long ago, thank goodness it is finally coming.


Greertonboy

Posted on 14-03-2017 19:00 | By namxa

Tell that to Cambridge and Tauponot true at all. Commenting for the sake of commentinggood work boy


Bypass supporter

Posted on 15-03-2017 07:00 | By Lovenews

The planning designation for the bypass is to expire in July 2017. Could we have some factual reporting from the minister and the media please. Nuts and bolts always welcome. Vagueness is not helpful or transparent. Thank you


The Cheque is in the mail

Posted on 15-03-2017 07:08 | By Murray.Guy

A few locals seem somewhat elated at the news which, based on experience, may be somewhat premature. The Northern Arterial was promised to be completed some years back and likely to be tolled. The National led Government, It appears, lied to the community of Tauranga on 4 Nov 2008 in regards their funding 100% of the 15th Avenue, Turret Rd and bridge 4 laning , as a bribe to facilitate the election of Simon Bridges. No dates for stating or completion have been provided. No funding mechanism. Why pick, the excitement will gradually evolve into anger and frustration as the excuses for delay arrive, as the tolling option is confirmed which secures only partial benefit and stymies best design outcomes!


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