To ensure the future safety of people crossing and travelling along Elizabeth Street, a section of the road will close for nine days from next week so that improvements can be made.

"The essential work involves rebuilding the roundabout that links Elizabeth Street with Grey Street and replacing a section of the road along Elizabeth Street," says a Tauranga City Council spokesperson.

"It will require the temporary closure in both directions along Elizabeth Street, between Devonport Road and Grey Street, inclusive of the roundabout intersection.  

"This work will take place from 6pm Tuesday, October 10, until 6am Friday, October 20, subject to weather conditions.   

"To help reduce the impact to people visiting and working in the area, the work will be completed over an intensified 24/7, nine-day period."

Photo: Tauranga City Council/Supplied.

During these essential road works, there will also be changes to the following:  

Parking on Elizabeth Street East:  

• There will be some on-street car parks temporarily reinstated while this work is being completed.   

Elizabeth Street Parking Building: 

• Vehicles will be able to enter the parking building via Elizabeth Street and First Avenue however they will only be able to exit onto Elizabeth Street.  
• Pedestrians will only be able to access the building via First Avenue as the Elizabeth Street pedestrian access will be closed during this time. 

Grey Street Bus Stop 

• The bus stop will be temporarily moved to Durham Street. 

"The road rebuild is part of the Elizabeth Street upgrade project, which aims to create an attractive and safe, people-friendly environment for everyone to enjoy. It will also complement the improvements being made along Elizabeth Street East and Tunks Reserve.  

"This upgrade is one of many projects that form part of the wider transformation of the city centre."

Additional construction work happening in the area:

Laneway upgrade: The laneway next to the Elizabeth Street parking building is being upgraded and will be closed from Tuesday, October 10 to Wednesday, October 25.    

Public toilets: The public toilets will be closed as part of the laneway upgrade. There will be portable toilets available for the public to use at the side of Elizabeth Street car park on First Avenue. 

All businesses in the area will remain open and we’d like to thank the business owners and the community for their patience as we carry out this important work.