Motorists across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty are being urged to plan ahead as multiple state highway projects continue through August, with several key traffic changes and construction milestones approaching.

In its latest roading update, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said crews were preparing to shift traffic on to a new layout on State Highway 29 near Tauriko Village in mid-August to allow for further construction work. Details of the traffic management arrangements will be released once confirmed.

Construction activity continues at Tauriko Village, where pavement works, stormwater installation and a new watermain are being built. A temporary 50km/h speed limit remains in place, with lane deviations and shoulder closures during day working hours.

Drivers are also being reminded to slow down near the SH29 Ōmanawa Bridge replacement project, where night works are continuing between the bridge and Ōmanawa Rd intersection. Temporary lane shifts and stop/go traffic management are in place between 8pm and 4.30am from Sunday to Thursday.

Further east, road widening works at the SH2 and Nanric Lane intersection near Pukehina are expected to continue until mid-to-late August. Stop/go traffic management, lane diversions and reduced speed limits operate during weekday work hours.

The Takitimu North Link project continues to bring significant changes for road users.

Traffic travelling towards Tauranga CBD and the Port is now using the new flyover bridge on the SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road, enabling construction of a new road alignment and roundabout connection into the future expressway. A temporary 70km/h speed limit remains in place.

At the SH2 and SH29 merge near 15th Ave, work is nearing completion. However, the SH29 exit to 15th Ave will remain closed until mid-August, when the road is expected to reopen with two traffic lanes. Lane reductions on SH2 remain in place while final surfacing work is completed.

Construction at the SH2/15th Ave interchange is progressing, with the bridge structure now complete. Crews are focusing on drainage, road approaches and retaining wall works, while longer-term lane closures and diversions remain in place.

Elsewhere, work continues on a new roundabout at the SH2/Pahoia/Esdaile intersection, with intermittent stop/go traffic management and speed restrictions likely to cause delays.

Meanwhile, Tauranga City Council’s repair work on the Ōropi Rd slip is also progressing, with construction of a rock wall underway as part of the second phase of the project. Minimal traffic management is currently in place, although night-time single-lane closures are expected later in the year.

Road users are encouraged to allow extra travel time and follow temporary traffic management measures while work continues across the region.