NZTA Revives Roads of National Significance: Major Developments Ahead for Tauranga

New Infrastructure Projects to Transform Tauranga: What You Need to Know.

The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has recently reintroduced the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) program, marking a significant step forward in addressing the infrastructure needs of Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty region.

The revitalised RoNS program will see the development of seventeen key road projects around the country, with three of these projects located in the Bay of Plenty. The Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project is already under development. The Takitimu North Link Stage 2 and State Highway 29 Tauriko West projects have now been added to the first phase of the program. NZTA is targeting to begin construction work on the first phase within the next three years.

Tauranga, as New Zealand’s largest import/export hub through the Port of Tauranga and one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, needs better infrastructure to support its growth and expansion. The inclusion of three major roading projects in the Bay of Plenty shows that there’s a recognition of the need to improve connectivity in and around Tauranga. These road improvements are expected to deliver significant economic benefits locally and nationally, as well as improve community connectivity and enhance road safety for users.

Project Overview:

• The Takitimu North Link Stage 1: this project involves the development of a new 7km four-lane expressway between Tauranga and Te Puna. This project is already well underway, with initial parts already completed and construction for the State Highway 2/Fifteenth Avenue bridge is proposed to begin in late 2024.
• The Takitimu North Link Stage 2: this project includes the development of a new 7km, four-lane expressway between Te Puna and Omokoroa on State Highway 2. Two lanes will potentially be managed lanes to prioritise public transport, vehicles with multiple passengers, and freight vehicles. The existing State Highway 2 will remain as a local road.
• State Highway 29 Tauriko West: this project involves both short-term and long-term measures, beginning with the Tauriko Enabling Works and the State Highway 29 Omanawa bridge replacement. The Tauriko Enabling Works are underway, beginning with the introduction of a roundabout at Redwood Lane to provide access to Belk Road via Kaweroa Drive, and are scheduled to be completed by early 2027.

In addition, here are some useful links of interest regarding NZTA and the Western BOP Infrastructure Forum.

• NZTA – Roads of National Significance
• Priority One – Western Bay of Plenty Infrastructure Forum

The Tauranga/Western Bay of Plenty region is being recognised for its continued growth and necessary infrastructure requirements.  If you have any questions about these developments or how they may affect you, get in touch with our Property or Infrastructure and Construction Team.