A $102 million roading project is set to reshape State Highway 2 between Baypark and Bayfair in Tauranga, reducing congestion and improving safety for motorists.

The NZ Transport Agency has confirmed the preferred option for the Baypark to Bayfair link upgrade project (formerly known as the Maunganui-Girven intersection improvements).

The Mount Mauganui/Girven Road intersection. Photo: NZTA.

Acting highway manager Andrew Scott says the changes include two flyovers, one which will take SH2 over the Maunganui-Girven intersection and a second taking State Highway 29 (SH29) over the railway line and the Te Maunga intersection.

Andrew says the project will allow direct access from (SH29) to Baypark and Truman Lane and will see the East Coast Main Trunk railway line relocated behind Owens Place.

A shared pedestrian and cycle path from Owens Place to Baypark is also proposed as part of the plan.

'Members of the public will have the chance to view the proposed changes and ask questions at an open day on Tuesday, July 15, in suite one at ASB Arena, Baypark.”

The project team will be on hand to answer any questions and discuss the option in detail at two sessions, one in the morning at 11.30am to 1.30pm, and one in the evening from 4pm to 7pm.

Andrew says the project, known as option 3A, ticked all the boxes and would improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

He says the announcement comes after a complex investigation that considered numerous options, along with community feedback.

'This plan is a modification of two options that were presented to the public at an open day last April. It was developed following feedback from the public and further investigations.

'It has been designed to reduce congestion at the Maunganui-Girven intersection, improve safety and separate state highway and local traffic. It will also improve the route to the Port of Tauranga.”

The project will proceed through the consent process, with a construction date to be determined following detailed design and approvals.

What will the solution provide:

-a flyover will take SH2 over the Maunganui-Girven intersection

-a flyover will take SH29 over the railway line and the Te Maunga intersection

-direct access from SH29 to Baypark and Truman Lane

-the railway line will be relocated to behind Owens Place

-a shared pedestrian and cycleway will be built from Owens Place to Baypark

Benefits:

-reduced congestion on Maunganui Road, Girven Road and the Te Maunga roundabout

-improved safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists

-improved route to the Port of Tauranga

-separate local and state highway traffic