Construction of a new interchange over the Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL) will see Pāpāmoa East connected to the motorway and enable further development of the area.

Preliminary works for the construction of the interchange are progressing and construction of two of the planned culverts has now been completed.

Earthworks will continue over the next few months to build the necessary height on the
Bell Road side and will require traffic management on the Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL) until April 2023.

Three lanes of the TEL are open, and the speed limit has increased to 70km per hour - this will remain in place for the next six months.

The outer westbound lane will remain closed until April 2023, to allow continued earthworks on the Bell Road side of the TEL to occur safely.

"We appreciate drivers' patience with these works and urge people to keep to the signposted speed limits for everyone's safety," says a Tauranga City Council spokesperson.

There may be minor traffic delays because of this work. As this does not materially impact travel times, tolls will continue to apply.

For more information about the Pāpāmoa East Interchange and construction, visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/pei