With 4 years of construction work completed, Stage 1 of the Takitimu North Link project has made strong progress, with all major structures, earthworks, and environmental works well advanced. The project focus now shifts to pavement construction and associated drainage and stormwater treatments.
Some highlights include:
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Infrastructure Delivery Manager for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Adrian Jones, says the momentum reflects strong collaboration between the project team, partners, and the local community.
“Every milestone represents thousands of hours of dedicated work from people right across the region. “The scale of this project is immense, and we’re proud to be delivering it safely, efficiently, and with a strong focus on environmental stewardship,” says Mr Jones.
The nearly completed 363 metre flyover – nicknamed by commuters as the “bridge to nowhere” – is a major structure. Still under construction and not yet connected to the new road, it spans the Kopurererua Valley Reserve and will allow you to bypass the new roundabout when travelling from Tauriko to the Port. Construction vehicles are expected to start using the bridge from March, with commuter traffic following from mid this year, when it will become the “bridge to somewhere,”
The 120-metre soil nailed retaining wall is nearly complete. All 12 bridge beams have been installed.
A 4-month ramp closure from SH29 onto SH2 is underway until to April 2026 to allow for lane works and signage gantry construction.
More information(external link)
The bridge structure is nearing completion, with installation of the barriers, and design panels now underway.
The Cambridge Road, Wairoa Road, and Minden Road overbridges are now complete, allowing temporary speed limits to be lifted. Along with the completed Minden Gully offramp, four of the project’s ten bridges are now finished.
All 80 beams are in place on the 355-metre bridge, with curing and barrier installation now progressing.
The Minden Road overbridge is complete. The offramp bridge is currently serving as a haul road for construction vehicles, while barriers are being installed on the remaining structures.
A total of 3 million cubic metres of material will be moved by the time earthworks conclude in autumn 2026.
The pavement construction comprises multiple engineered layers that form the finished road surface. Pavement works have begun and will continue through to the road’s opening in 2028.
“We’re building more than a road – we’re building long-term environmental resilience,” says Mr Jones.
“The wetlands, culverts, and extensive planting we’re putting in place will support the landscape and local ecosystems for generations.”
“The community has been incredibly supportive, and we appreciate their patience. Once complete, this corridor will provide safer journeys, improved resilience, and better connections for people across the Western Bay of Plenty.”
Watch the latest flyover video
The Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project is a Road of National Significance supporting economic growth and productivity in the western Bay of Plenty, by providing a reliable, resilient and safe expressway connection between Tauranga and Te Puna.
People can keep up to date with traffic impacts through our regular bulletins and on the NZTA Waka Kotahi Facebook page. Take extra care by following signs and instructions from our traffic management team.
