Waka Kotahi NZTA are holding an open day for the Tauranga community to come and find out what to expect during the next stage of the Takitimu North Link work.

Major works to complete the new Cambridge Road overbridge, between Bethlehem and Tauriko is now in its final phase.

Works involve connecting the new bridge with Cambridge and Moffat roads, requiring significant traffic management and disruption to journeys through this area.

Waka Kotahi NZTA are inviting the public to come along to find out more about what to expect at an open day from 10.30am – 1.30pm on Saturday November 18 at the Bethlehem Hall, 239 SH2, in Bethlehem. All are welcome.

Video flyover of Cambridge Road and upcoming construction site:

Major works on the Takitimu North Link project will require a full closure of a section of Moffat Road, Bethlehem, for three months starting January 2024.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Jo Wilton, advises construction work to complete the new Cambridge Road Overbridge, between Bethlehem and Tauriko, has entered its final phase, as part of the new 6.8km expressway project.

“This is one of three bridges nearing completion on the project which is really exciting progress,” says Jo.

“Cambridge Road is our busiest site on the project with 14,000 vehicles travelling through daily, and our crew is now focused on complex tie-in work to connect the new bridge which will result in a new road layout.

“A diversion road is being built allowing traffic to flow past the site while construction continues. Once the diversion road is built, the existing Cambridge Road will be dug out and materials laid for the new road.”

The work requires a three-month closure of a section of Moffat Road near Tauranga Adventist School. This will be a significant disruption to travel through this area with a diversion road in use, and local detours for light vehicles and heavy trucks to use State Highway 29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road.

Artist impression of the new Cambridge Road Overbridge.

People will have the opportunity to learn about what to expect at the community open day on Saturday November 18.

“We are very keen to get out to the community to talk through these works and what to expect. We’ll be holding an Open Day at Bethlehem Hall, 239 State Highway 2, Bethlehem, on Saturday 18 November between 10.30am-1.30pm. Our team looks forward to answering questions people may have,” says Jo.

“This is a challenging job requiring coordination between multiple teams working on the bridge structure, utilities, drainage, earthworks, and pavement crews – as well as significant traffic management including detours, road and lane closures and temporary speed limits.

“Road users should expect disruption during this important phase of construction, there will be an inevitable impact for people who travel through this area. We are working with Tauranga City Council, schools, and residents on the impacts of this work.”

The project is being carried out in three phases, the second phase starting in January, will see a full closure of a section of Moffat Road, between January and April 2024. A bylaw preventing the use of heavy trucks on the local detour means tolls on SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road will be lifted for heavy trucks during this phase.

Further information on the timing of specific road closures and detours will be shared on Journey Planner, VMS boards, and the Waka Kotahi Waikato Bay of Plenty Facebook page. Everyone who travels through this area is encouraged to look out for updates.

The Cambridge Road Overbridge is expected to be complete in April, but other works around the intersection will continue to mid-2024.

Once completed, the overbridge will become the new local road, linking Cambridge and Moffat roads, and allowing for the Takitimu North Link expressway to be built underneath.

Find out more about progress and new road layout for Cambridge Road here: Takitimu North Link - Cambridge Road

Nearby neighbours who may have concerns are invited to contact Waka Kotahi by calling 0800 865 776 or texting 8443, or emailing info@takitimunorthlink.co.nz.

Waka Kotahi NZTA are inviting the public to come along to find out more about what to expect at an open day from 10.30am – 1.30pm on Saturday November 18 at the Bethlehem Hall, 239 SH2, in Bethlehem. All are welcome.