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

While earthworks continue to build the necessary height on the Bell Road side of the Tauranga Eastern Link, the second phase of the project, construction of an extension to Te Okuroa Drive and a new intersection with future The Sands Avenue, is also progressing.

This phase includes:

• The Te Okuroa and The Sands Avenue signalised intersection
• Te Okuroa Drive four lane continuation (east) to the new intersection
• Shared bi-directional cycleway and footpaths.

To keep everyone safe during this phase of work, the cycle path that runs alongside the TEL will shortly be diverted via a purpose-built temporary path and a manned crossing near the work site. 

Traffic Management
Traffic management on the TEL remains in place for the duration of the earthworks on the Bell Road side, expected to be completed in August. One of the westbound lanes remains closed and the speed limit for traffic headed towards Tauranga is set to 70km/h.

Once earthworks conclude, the road will be reinstated and traffic management removed. We are aiming to coordinate this with other works happening further along the TEL to minimise traffic impacts. Details of these works will be shared as soon as plans are finalised.

"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.

"As travel times are not materially impacted, tolls will continue to apply."

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