Rebuilding the fire damaged section of the TEL Domain Road overpass is expected to begin later this month.

NZ Transport Agency senior project manager Wayne Troughton says demolition contractors are expected to be onsite for around two more weeks to clear more of the embankment.

Demolition of the damaged section of the interchange is almost complete.

Polystyrene blocks used as packing in the Tauranga Eastern Link overpass ramps were set fire to at about 8pm on November 20, creating a spectacular blaze that created large clouds of black noxious smoke.

Demolition of the damaged structure began before Christmas. Strength tests are currently underway on the remaining section and the cut back piles to ensure they can safely be used in the rebuild, says Wayne.

Experts are also analysing the expanded polystyrene blocks (EPS) to identify which ones can be reused, as much of it hasn't been touched by the fire.

The preliminary estimates put the cost of the repair in excess of $2 million, but an exact figure won't be known until the tests are completed and the damaged areas are accurately mapped.

'The project team are working through the design process. To keep the project on schedule they expect to start the rebuild in late January,” says Wayne.

The Bay of Plenty's single largest roading project is expected to be operational later this year, but there are some busy months ahead as the project ticks off several key milestones.

They include completion of the Parton Road bridge, the Mangatawa Interchange and pavement construction, as well as the repair and completion of the Domain road interchange

People can keep up to date with progress on the TEL by visiting: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/tel