A new road layout between Bethlehem and Tauriko for the Takitimu North Link project involved moving 15,000 cubic meters of dirt for a four-lane expressway.

“We are now preparing for the upcoming earthworks season with a target of shifting a further 600,000 cubic metres of material over the warmer months,” NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) senior manager of project services, Jo Wilton said. 

The construction involved relocating underground cables and pipes, installing 1660m of subsoil drains, constructing a new 100m long bridge, and completing associated tie-in works.

Along with the new road and the addition of a roundabout at St Andrew’s Drive, Harrison and Cambridge’s roads were also relocated.

Over 50,000 litres of bitumen carried by 445 trucks were delivered to the work site, according to NZTA.

“Working with our partners, Tauranga City Council, we have improved the Cambridge/Moffat roads intersection, which was previously a tricky spot for road users. Now there are better sight lines and a safer intersection with left and right turning lanes,” Witton said.

The new bridge at Cambridge Road earthworks are due to break through this summer. Photo / supplied

The works in the area will enable future development of the Smiths Farm area, including the construction of a 25m bridge and a new access point from the St. Andrews Drive roundabout.

“Completing extensive work in this area is another great step forward for the project. We’re grateful to our neighbours and the surrounding community for their support and patience as we move through the different phases.”

The major work sites are State Highway Two and Fifteenth Ave, State Highway 29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road, and Minden Road, Te Puna. 

These sites will have traffic management in place and changes to road layout while works are underway.  

Crews expect to soon break through the ground underneath the Cambridge Road overbridge as part of the 2024/25 earthworks programme to link the new road sections on either side of Moffatt Road.