Works are under way to upgrade Taurikura Drive between SH36 and Whiore Avenue, to support the growth of the Tauriko area.

There are multiple worksites that are being operated on across both day and night shifts, Tauranga City Council said in is weekly bulletin.

Overnight on Sunday, July 6, the northbound lane between Whiore Avenue roundabout and SH36 roundabout will be closed in order to lay cabling for the traffic lights at the future intersections.

The council said a detour will be in place, and the lane closure will be removed before 5am on Monday.

From Monday, July 7, work continues on the footpath and kerb area outside BP Tauriko, as well as works to install a temporary road to access the Tauranga Crossing northern car park on the opposite side of Taurikura Drive to BP Tauriko.

Safety barriers are in place and alternate walking and cycling access is available.

Bus stop relocation

The council said work to build new a new footpath and kerb outside Pak‘nSave near the Tauranga Crossing bus stop continues this week.

“This work requires a closure to the bus stop, which is temporarily relocated 180m down Taurikura Drive, just past Whiore Avenue outside the Animates car park.

“Bus users will now exit the bus just before Whiore Avenue and follow the designated temporary pathway to cross Whiore Avenue to reach Tauranga Crossing.”

The council said this change will be in place until October when normal services will resume.

Image / Tauranga City Council

“The pedestrian crossing previously available near the Tauranga Crossing main entry/exit is now closed and a temporary pedestrian crossing has been installed near Pak‘nSave.

“This is shown on our bus stop relocation map above.”

Traffic management on SH36 roundabout

With traffic management in place, motorists are asked to follow the signage and speed limits in place.

The council said the traffic management layout has two lanes open for vehicles travelling north or south through the roundabout, and one lane open to access Taurikura Drive.

“A portion of the right lane within the roundabout is closed, as well as the right-hand lane on Lakes Boulevard at the approach to the roundabout.

“See maps below for how to navigate the changes in place.

“This includes no lane change being required to access Taurikura Drive while you are using the roundabout, and two lanes being open when travelling north or south through the roundabout.”

Accessing Taurikura Drive. Image / Tauranga City Council

Accessing SH36 North. Image / Tauranga City Council

Accessing SH36 South. Image / Tauranga City Council

Accessing Lakes Boulevard. Image / Tauranga City Council