The first stage of the Tauriko Enabling Works project has been delivered, with the SH29–Redwood Lane roundabout now open in its final layout after nearly two years of construction.

The intersection of State Highway 29 and Redwood Lane now features a 47m-diameter roundabout, a direct connection to the Tauriko Business Estate and a shared walking and cycling underpass beneath SH29.

The roundabout was built as part of the Tauriko Enabling Works project, a project delivered by Tauranga City Council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to deliver key improvements to SH29 in Tauriko and to enable the start of housing development at Tauriko West.

It first opened to traffic in a temporary layout in May 2025.

A connection to the Tauriko Business Estate through Kaweroa Drive followed in November 2025, with the new roundabout now fully completed and finishing works finalised.

NZTA Waikato and Bay of Plenty infrastructure delivery manager Adrian Jones said reaching this milestone was a proud moment for the team.

“As the first site to get underway in the Tauriko Enabling Works project back in 2024, it’s great to be at this stage, having delivered a key upgrade for traffic flow and safety.”

The project took around 22 months and 20,000sq m of structural asphalt.

“The team has poured in a lot of effort – and a lot of asphalt,” Jones said, and it was “now much safer and easier to move through the area”, with a new connection to Kaweroa Drive and the pedestrian and cyclist underpass beneath SH29.

Jones said workers had also completed significant stormwater, wastewater and water-main upgrades, including a constructed wetland to manage water run-off while providing habitat for native wildlife.

He said ducting for power, fibre and communications has been laid to futureproof the area and more than 130,000 new trees and shrubs have been planted.

Tauriko Ward councillor Marten Rozeboom has commended the project team.

“Work at the Redwood Lane site has been delivered safely, on time and on budget, and to a very high standard,” Rozeboom said.

“We’re already seeing the benefits of the new Kaweroa Drive link, which is making everyday travel smoother for people who work and live in the area. As Tauriko grows, this connection will become even more valuable.

“Projects like this show we’re planning ahead and building the right infrastructure for a thriving Tauriko.”

A reduced speed limit of 70km/h remains in place between Belk Rd and Gargan Rd until the SH29/Belk Road intersection closes.

This closure will be undertaken by Tauranga City Council once the new roundabout connecting Belk Rd to the southern end of Taurikura Drive is completed, currently on track for late 2026.

Meanwhile, work continues in the Tauriko Village section of the project, with significant progress made on the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection upgrade.

Full completion of the Tauriko Enabling Works project is expected in 2027.