A new overbridge being built at Tauriko will create a safe travel option for people who are walking and biking between The Lakes and the Tauranga Crossing shopping complex.

The 34m long bridge will be lifted into position this week over SH36, completing an essential pedestrian link between The Lakes residential area and Tauriko business estate.

The bridge has been jointly funded by the NZ Transport Agency and Tauranga City Council and is due to open in May.

A section of SH36 will be closed overnight this Wednesday April 3, while the bridge is being lifted into place. The state highway will be closed between Lakes Boulevard and Kennedy Road from 7.30pm Wednesday April 3 until 5.30am Thursday April 4.

Detours will be will sign-posted. Alternatively, if rain and wind are too heavy, the work will be done on Friday April 5.

Following the bridge lift is a month of finishing work including minor earthworks, landscaping, fencing and installation of street furniture. The bridge is due to open mid-May.

This work follows the installation of the Wharepaewaka overbridge that was built last year over SH29 Takitimu Drive, connecting Bethlehem and Gate Pa.

Tauranga City Council's acting general manager of infrastructure, Martin Parkes says this new bridge is a significant addition to Tauranga's transport network.

'It's a stunning bridge in this fast growing part of our city. It creates a safe connection for walkers and people on bikes between parts of the city that were previously disconnected.”