Construction of the new Pāpāmoa East Interchange has reached a new milestone with the contract for the second phase of work awarded to locally-based firm HEB Construction.

This phase of work includes the extension of Te Okuroa Drive and a new intersection with The Sands Avenue, in preparation for the construction of the interchange itself, which is scheduled to start late this year.

The Pāpāmoa East Interchange will be constructed over the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (SH2), linking Te Okuroa Drive and future development in the area to the motorway.

It will enable faster travel for motorists between neighbourhoods in Pāpāmoa East and Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and the wider region, and will also facilitate access to the Rangiuru Business Park, once that is operational.

Tauranga City Council Commission Chair, Anne Tolley, says it's exciting to see the project progressing towards unlocking the Eastern Link to the community in Pāpāmoa East.

'This phase of the project is about building the connection for the local community to the future interchange. While the earthworks at the interchange site settle prior to its construction, we're putting the linking infrastructure in place.

'The interchange will provide improved connectivity, helping to meet the traffic demands associated with the development of Pāpāmoa East.”

The first phase of the project started in June 2022, with the earthworks involved scheduled to be completed in late-June 2023.

The third and final phase is the construction of the interchange itself, scheduled to start in late-2023.

Phase two is starting with the set-up of a site office in the next two weeks after which earthworks will start mid-June. The second phase of work includes:

• The Te Okuroa and Sands Avenue signalised intersection
• A four-lane extension to Te Okuroa Drive, east to the new intersection
• Shared cycleways, footpaths, traffic islands/refuges
• Street lighting, traffic signals, CCTV and utilities
• Stormwater/drainage infrastructure
• Water infrastructure (waste/drinking water) to service the neighbourhoods of Wairākei and Te Tumu.

Construction of the Pāpāmoa East Interchange is partly funded by the Housing Infrastructure Fund and the project is currently estimated to cost $95m.

HEB Construction Senior Project Manager, Duncan Alberts, says having been a partner on the previous phase of the project, as well as being involved in all previous Te Okuroa Drive stages, means their team is very familiar with the area and aware of any challenges that may be encountered.

"We are excited to be able to continue our involvement with the Pāpāmoa East Interchange project and build on our relationship with Tauranga City Council and the people of Pāpāmoa,” says Duncan.

Locals can expect to see earthworks undertaken during the first two months, followed by culvert, drainage and water main installations.

This will be followed by the roadworks and landscaping; the work is scheduled to complete late 2023.

Construction in a busy area can be a nuisance and the contractors will work with local schools, residents and other stakeholders to minimise disruption from construction traffic and other potential impacts.

To receive regular updates on this project, email your name and address to [email protected].

The same email address can be used to contact the project team.

For more information, visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/pei