HEB Construction Limited is the winner of the New Zealand Transport Agency $1.75 million contract to expand a stormwater pumping station.

The diagonal drain pump station, one of the six support projects preceding the main construction of the Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL), discharges stormwater from the lower Kaituna catchment area to the Kaituna River.

To cater for the increased amount of storm water run-off from TEL, the existing pump station needs upgrading.The project involves constructing another inlet and outlet structure, installing a new pump and upgrading a power transformer.

NZTA Bay of Plenty regional director Harry Wilson says the tender award is another important step preparing the way for the main TEL construction contract.

The diagonal drain pump station is one of six TEL support projects. The other projects include:

• Extending Truman Lane so the Mangatawa Lane exit onto State Highway 2 can be closed.
• Stormwater upgrades around Mangatawa.
• Extending Kaituna Road (currently out to tender).

Two of the support projects are being managed in partnership with Tauranga City Council. They include relocating and upgrading a bulk watermain. Stage one of the watermain relocation along Parton Road was completed recently and the second stage, along State Highway 2, will be finished in about one year's time.

NZTA expects to appoint the main TEL construction contractor later this month.