Construction is progressing on the Bay of Plenty's biggest roading project – the Takitimu North Link - with earthworks underway on Stage One between Tauranga and Te Puna.

Aerial photos show the progress of significant works at key sites at Bethlehem and Wairoa Valley.

The earthworks follow enabling works and site investigations which started on the $655 million project last year.

The rate of growth in the Western Bay of Plenty, combined with existing safety, access and congestion issues means Takitimu North Link is a huge investment in the region.

It will give people better access to safer and more reliable travel options to provide greater choice in how they move about.

The project is the 12th New Zealand Upgrade Programme project in construction – providing better and safer travel choices for growing communities.

Transport Minister Michael Wood, accompanied by Labour MP Angie Warren-Clark, observed the construction at Wairoa Valley last week.

The visitors were hosted by Fulton Hogan and HEB Joint Venture Project Director Tony Gallagher and Te Tiriti partnership roopu (group) representatives, Chairman of Ngāti Pango hapū, Mr Henare Mason, and Wayne Beilby (Ngāti Pango), who welcomed the manuhiri to the whenua.

Fulton Hogan/HEB Joint Venture Project Director Tony Gallagher with Transport Minister Michael Wood on site at the Bay of Plenty's biggest roading project – the Takitimu North Link.

"Our contractors, have been really busy between Bethlehem and Wairoa Valley and it's exciting to see such good progress that really shows the scale of the project," says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency director of regional relationships, David Speirs.

"Takitimu North Link will change the landscape of one of our critical routes to and from Tauranga, providing an alternative route to SH2, moving trucks away from local roads and supporting urban growth.

"The team is currently undertaking erosion and sediment control installation, enabling works, earthworks, archaeological investigations, early-stage earthworks and ground improvements.

"People will notice big changes where site clearance is happening. A haul road at Wairoa Road in the valley is now complete."

Main work areas are at Bethlehem (Smith's Farm, Richard Way, Cambridge Road, Harrison Road), Wairoa Road and Valley, Te Mete Road, Clarke Road, and Minden Road, at Te Puna.

Aerial view in the Smiths Farm area looking East towards Cambridge Road, Bethlehem.

At its peak, it's expected between 350–400 people will work on Takitimu North Link Stage One, with around 4500 people involved in various aspects of the project over its five-year construction period.

Fulton Hogan/HEB Joint Venture was awarded the construction contract for the Stage One project in December 2021 and Bloxam Burnett & Olliver (BBO) will support the delivery.

Stage Two of the project, between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa, will be route protected under the New Zealand Upgrade Programme.

Designation is scheduled to be lodged in 2022 and applications for resource consents will be submitted.