The trial reopening of the Hairini Street slip lane on to Turret Road for general traffic will continue until at least mid-2027.

The extension aligns with the timeframe for the planned 15th Ave to Welcome Bay transport upgrade, which is currently scheduled to begin construction in mid-2027, Tauranga City Council said in a statement.

Council staff recommended keeping the slip lane open in the interim after monitoring showed strong community use and positive feedback from Hairini residents.

Tauranga City Council’s City Delivery Committee approved the extension this week.

Council said traffic monitoring indicates the slip lane is now used by around 300 more vehicles per day than before the trial began, with approximately 200 of those trips coming from the Hairini community.

The Hairini Slip lane, where it merges with SH29A. Photo / Tauranga City Council

The lane was originally closed to general traffic in 2018 and restricted to buses only because of safety and operational efficiency concerns.

Its temporary reopening began on October 20 last year, with the initial trial expected to run until January 20.

That timeframe was later extended to March to allow further assessment.

Council has also approved funding to continue design work for the wider Fifteenth Avenue to Welcome Bay project.

Whether the slip lane can be permanently reinstated will depend on the final roading layout and safety considerations once construction gets underway, the Council said.

The slip lane would remain open to general traffic at all times except from 6.30am to 9.30am, Monday to Friday, when it is reserved for buses only.

Motorists risk a $150 fine for using the lane during this restricted period.