The new bridge at Cambridge Road will open on schedule on April 8, marking a significant milestone in the 6.8km Takitimu North Link expressway project.

“This is one of eight bridge structures on the project, with the first three nearing completion, which is excellent progress,” says Transport Minister Simeon Brown.

The minister was in Tauranga today visiting the work site which has seen a section of Cambridge Road closed since the beginning of the year. Read more here.

“It was good to speak with the team on site today and view construction progression on this major infrastructure project. It’s been a complex build, and it’s tremendous to see this future four-lane highway beginning to take shape for the Western Bay of Plenty,” says Brown.

“The project will make a big difference by providing an alternative to the existing State Highway 2, which will become a local road once Takitimu North Link opens, providing more reliable journey times. The new road supports economic growth and productivity, being a key strategic corridor for the region with access to the Port of Tauranga.

“The completion of the bridge between Bethlehem and Tauriko makes way for the expressway to be built underneath and will result in a safer road layout in this busy area of Tauranga.”

An artist's impression of the new Cambridge Road Overbridge. Image: Supplied.

Takitimu North Link Stage One will connect Tauranga and Te Puna with a new four-lane expressway, which is a key strategic transport corridor for the region, improving safety, and providing greater resilience and travel choice.

The project is included in the recently released draft 2024 Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS) as part of the Roads of National Significance programme.

The draft GPS outlines the Government’s plan for investing in land transport over the next 10 years by directing $7 billion per year in expenditure from the National Land Transport Fund.

Consultation on the draft GPS is open until 12pm on April 2,2024.