As part of the State Highway 29 Tauriko Enabling Works project, work is underway on underground power lines around the SH29 and Redwood Lane area.

This is to allow for construction of the new roundabout which will make this stretch of road more resilient and safer, says a statement from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

"The underground powerlines work is being undertaken in stages, with the bulk of the power upgrade being carried out at night," says a spokesperson for the roading agency.

"The remaining work includes switching power over to the new underground connections, removing overhead power lines, and replacing existing power poles on SH29 and Redwood Lane.

" These works can only be done safely during daylight hours. People travelling on SH29 to and from Tauranga are asked to prepare for daytime stop/go traffic management and significant delays.  "

On Thursday, August 22, and Monday, August 26, during off-peak hours (9am to 3pm), the following traffic management will be in place: 

·Stop/go on SH29 between Redwood Lane and Gargan Road

·A temporary speed limit of 30km/h on SH29 from just south of Belk Road to just north of Gargan Road. 

·Shoulder closures, lane diversions and mobile operations to ensure the safety of all road users, the community and our teams. 

These works are expected to take 2 days and are weather dependent. If delayed because of weather or other unforeseen issues, they will be carried out on the contingency days of Monday, August 26, and Monday, September 9, says NZTA.

"This work is an important step in the construction of the new roundabout.

"SH29 is a key link between the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, and these works have been planned to minimise disruption to the travelling public and goods, and communities in the area, while keeping road workers and road users safe.

"People are asked to drive with extra care through the SH29/Redwood Lane and Belk Road area while these works are underway."

NZTA says temporary traffic management ensures the safety of all road users, the community, and teams.

People travelling, are asked to allow extra time, follow the instructions provided by our on-site team members and adhere to all temporary signage.  

NZTA thanks drivers, local residents and businesses for their patience. 

The SH29 Tauriko Enabling Works are being delivered by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi together with Tauranga City Council. Downer is delivering the construction of the project. 

At SH29/Redwood Lane the upgrades include: 

·a new roundabout at SH29/Redwood Lane to connect to Tauriko Business Estate via Kaweroa Drive and provide access to the southern part of the future community at Tauriko West via Redwood Lane. Trucks coming from the Waikato will have an additional access to the Tauriko Business Estate and won’t have to travel all the way to the Takitimu Drive roundabout. 

·a new shared walking and cycling path connecting Redwood Lane to Kaweroa Drive, crossing underneath SH29. This will provide walking and cycling access between the Tauriko Business Estate and Tauriko West.  

·closure of the existing SH29/Belk Road intersection, with traffic redirected through Tauriko Business Estate to the new SH29/Redwood Lane roundabout. The existing SH29/Belk Road intersection will be closed once the connecting roads and the new SH29/Redwood Lane roundabout have been completed, providing a safer connection. 

nzta.govt.nz/tauriko-enabling-works