Te Puke Highway traffic diversion

Construction for the Waiāri treatment plant is progressing and there will be some impact to motorists, with a reduction of traffic to one lane for Te Puke Highway from the second week of January 2020.

The Waiāri Water Supply Scheme will add capacity for growth to Tauranga’s and Te Puke’s drinking water supplies. It involves the development of a water abstraction facility on the Waiāri Stream, the construction of a water treatment plant close to No.1 Road, Te Puke, and an underground water pipeline that connects the new plant and reservoirs to Papamoa.

Laying brand new infrastructure of this type, over sections of land that are heavily used can be a challenge. And unfortunately, it doesn’t go without having some impacts on local residents and traffic coming through the area.

Te Puke Highway – detour for traffic into Te Puke

From 8 January 2020, work on Te Puke Highway hits a narrow section of the road. To be able to undertake this work and keep both motorists and construction staff safe, Council will need to close off one lane of Te Puke Highway. Traffic coming from Tauranga towards Te Puke will be re-routed via Tara Road, Parton Road, Bell Road then back on to Te Puke Highway. This diversion will remain in place for three months, while work laying pipes alongside the road takes place.

Council realise these impacts can be a source of frustration for locals as well as people travelling and assure everything has been done to keep impacts of work as low as possible.

Council appreciate everyone’s patience and consideration for the safety of staff and other drivers when passing works.

The Waiāri Water Supply Scheme is a joint project between Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.