The new 100m bridge at Cambridge Road between Bethlehem and Tauriko will open to traffic in April, marking what NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says is a major milestone for the Takitimu North Link project.

“The completion of this bridge has been one of our more complex jobs, which now enables the expressway to be built underneath it. It is the first of eight bridge structures on the project to be completed,” says infrastructure delivery regional manager Jo Wilton.

“Along with the new road layout at Cambridge, Moffat and Harrison roads, it will result in a safer Cambridge Road East intersection, with a better line of sight in this busy area of Tauranga.”

The bridge tie-in works required a three month local road closure with detours in place, enabled through partnership with Tauranga City Council. NZTA appreciates people living in surrounding residential streets experienced increased traffic volumes on local roads during this time.

“We would like to thank our project neighbours and local people for their support, cooperation, and patience during the building of the bridge and associated road closure.

“ Our crew have been working six days a week to get the job done and are pleased to be able to open on schedule. We couldn’t do this without the support of the local community and our partners at Tauranga City Council.”

In the next phase of work, with the bridge in use, the new Cambridge Road East intersection will be built.

A section of Cambridge Road East from Moffat Road to St Andrews Roundabout will be closed while the new intersection joining onto Moffat Road is constructed. Detours will be in place for the closed section of Cambridge Road East.

There will be temporary speed reductions in place while this work is undertaken. Please follow on-site traffic signage and instructions from our team.

About the project

Takitimu North Link Stage One will connect Tauranga and Te Puna with a new 4-lane expressway and shared path. It will improve safety, access, resilience, and provide greater travel choice.

Read more about the project at nzta.govt.nz/takitimunorth