Tauranga Northern Link a significant step forward for Western Bay

Works on the newly announced Tauranga Northern Link, in the heart of the Western Bay of Plenty, will get underway later this year.

The Government today, confirmed the $478 million Tauranga Northern Link (TNL) project is included in its programme of new investments in roads and rail.

The new TNL will connect State Highway 29 (SH29) Takitimu Drive through to State Highway 2 (SH2) near Loop Road, west of Te Puna.

Construction of the project is scheduled to begin late 2020, with all consenting and the designation completed. The project has an expected completion date of 2025.

The TNL is a key part of the region’s SmartGrowth strategy. It will provide residents and visitors to the Bay of Plenty with safer, alternative route to one of New Zealand’s highest growth areas.

Western Bay of Plenty is one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand. It is already home to 190,000 people, with an additional 70,000 expected to make it their home in the next 50 years.

Alongside this $478m section, a further $455 million is being spent on State Highway 2 (SH2) from Te Puna to Omokoroa to support urban and economic growth to the north of Tauranga and help save lives.

The Te Puna to Omokoroa section consists of a new 7km, four-lane corridor to carry two lanes of general traffic and provide two dedicated lanes for bus priority, freight and vehicles carrying multiple people. It also includes a separated shared path for walking and cycling that runs along the entire length.

This new four-lane corridor is an extension of the Tauranga Northern Link, responding to growth which now extends to Omokoroa.

See the video above for comment from Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber on the announcement.

Tauranga Northern Link – Key Facts

$478 million project funded by NZ Upgrade Programme

Once completed the Tauranga Northern Link TNL will connect State Highway 29 (SH29) Takitimu Drive through to State Highway 2 (SH2) near Loop Road, west of Te Puna.

The new four-lane corridor will have a separated walking and cycling path along the entire length, including across the new Wairoa River bridge. One lane in each direction will be used to prioritise public transport, vehicles carrying multiple passengers and/or freight.

An interchange overbridge at Minden Road and underpasses at Cambridge Road and Wairoa Road will help improve safety and efficiently manage the forecast traffic growth.

Te Puna to Omokoroa Section – Key Facts

$455 million project funded by NZ Upgrade Programme

Construction is expected to get underway late 2023

Consists of a new 7km, four-lane corridor to carry two lanes of general traffic and provide two dedicated lanes for bus priority, freight and vehicles carrying multiple people. It also includes a separated shared path for walking and cycling that runs along the entire length.

An interchange overbridge with ramps in each direction, will be built at the intersection with Omokoroa Road. Other overbridges will take local traffic over the highway helping improve safety.

SH2 corridor will continue as this road will remain in use and an integral part of the region’s future transport system.