Work to start on widening and improving No. 1 Road

Construction work will start next week on Te Puke’s No. 1 Road to make it safer and more suitable for the high volumes of traffic that use it.

The contract for the works has been awarded to J.Swap Contractors Limited, with Pinnacles Civil supervising the work on behalf of Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Currently, parts of the road are too narrow for the number and types of vehicles that travel along it. There are also sections where the road has reached the end of its life, causing problems for heavy vehicles using the road to access horticultural businesses.

Council’s Projects and Monitoring Committee last year agreed to spend $3.2 million, over two years, on improving the road, including rehabilitating and widening two of the middle sections of the road.

“We know how important this road is for residents, businesses and the whole Te Puke community, and we are excited to be getting this work underway,” says Calum McLean, Council’s Transportation Director.

“No. 1 Road has not kept pace with the surrounding growth and we appreciate people’s patience as we carry out this essential work to make one of Te Puke’s busiest roads both safer and more fit for purpose.”

The first section of works, spanning house numbers 58 to just past 191, will start on Tuesday, 1 October, and is expected to be completed by late February 2025.

“In the first week, crews will focus on setting up the site and locating underground utilities. After that they will begin working on stormwater drainage upgrades, which are needed due to the road being widened,” explains Calum.

This section of road will be reduced to one lane for much of the duration, with stop-go traffic measures in place to keep both workers and drivers safe.

“These works are considerable, which unfortunately means there will be significant disruption during this time. If you live in the area, or are travelling this road, please plan ahead and allow extra time.”