Construction starts on a major bridge structure at Cambridge Road, between Bethlehem and Tauriko this month.

The project is part of the Takitimu North Link Stage One project, and new aerial photos show significant progress on site over recent months.

As part of the Government's New Zealand Upgrade Programme investment in better travel options, the Takitimu North Link project connects Tauranga and Te Puna with a new 6.8km expressway and shared path. It's all about ensuring people get where they're going safely.

Waka Kotahi infrastructure delivery regional manager Jo Wilton says people will notice big changes across the site since the contractor, the Fulton Hogan and HEB Joint Venture, started work in December 2021.

Aerial photo over Cambridge and Harrison Road (July 2022)

"It's exciting to see the work starting on the new overbridge at Cambridge Road this month. This site is of real importance to us. It will be visible to the community and we're mindful of our neighbours as work takes place.

'The initial focus across the project site has been on setting up site access and environmental controls, ahead of our first full construction season starting in September, when work ramps up through the drier months to April."

The Cambridge Road Overbridge will be 100m long and will carry one lane of traffic in each direction, with wider shoulders and footpaths on both sides of the road.

The bridge will be constructed just west of Cambridge Road which will keep traffic impacts to a minimum in this area, says Jo.

Once built, traffic will use the new bridge so construction of the new Takitimu North Link road can begin with excavation underneath.

"Piling work is expected to take three months, subject to favourable weather and ground conditions. Once the piling is completed, bridge beams will be installed, and the concrete deck poured."

There will be a temporary speed limit in place, people are asked to take extra care by following signs and instructions from our traffic management team.

Work underway for the temporary bridge crossing the Wairoa River (August 2022).

"Further north on the project site has also been a hive of activity, piling work for the Wairoa Road Overbridge, and construction of a temporary bridge crossing the Wairoa Awa (River), are both nearing completion.

"The project has more than 200 people working on it, our team is now based in a newly constructed site office at Minden Road, Te Puna. This will be our home while we build the new road."

Piling work in progress at Wairoa Road Overbridge site (July 2022).

To date, more than 50,000 cubic metres of earth has been moved across the project site. This construction season (September to April) around 400,000 cubic metres will be moved, around 13% of the project's total amount and enough to fill 160 Olympic size swimming pools.

The Cambridge Road Overbridge is expected to be completed by late-2023.