Construction of the Wairoa cycleway bridge is progressing as planned with a completion expected by the end of March.

The cycle bridge is one of the last links in the Omokoroa to Tauranga cycle trail.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council group manager infrastructure services Gary Allis says construction of the Wairoa 'clip-on” cycle bridge addition to the State Highway 2 Wairoa River Bridge is going well.

'The new abutments have been constructed and contractor Brian Perry Civil has the steel support structure under construction off site.

'Installation of the steel support structures, bridge spans and counter weight is planned to commence early January.”

He says opening of the bridge to users depends on the timing of the road upgrading, new kerb and channel and construction of the concrete shared cycleway and walkway from the bridge into Bethlehem with roading work planned to start in February 2020.

Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says it's great the entire Omokoroa to Tauranga cycleway is close to completion, with just small sections left to link to the Wairoa Bridge.

'This has been a marathon project for Council spanning several years and its completion is tribute to the many people and organisations involved in the design, construction and funding of the trail.

'This cycle trail will be a huge asset to both our district and the city. It will provide safe journeys to the city for cyclists and, for our visitors, it will serve as a showcase to the wonderful harbour edge of Western Bay.”

KiwiRail approval for the Jess Road to Newnham Road cycleway link has been gained and construction is expected to start in January 2020, Gary Allis says.

'This section includes fall-protection structures and a bridge structure under the railway line. This structure replaces the informal timber planks installed by the locals.”

He says once that section is complete the contractor will shift to the Te Puna Station Rd rail underpass section with a projected finish date of December 2020.

The Omokoroa to Tauranga Cycle Trail has a budget of $13.02million. This is funded by a number of partners including the $8.05million from New Zealand Transport Agency, TECT $1.0million; Tauranga City Council $1.0m; New Zealand Community Trust $1.0m and Western Bay of Plenty District Council $1.81m.