The NZ Transport Agency will undertake survey work from today as part of the State Highway 29 (SH29) / State Highway 2 (SH2) Te Maunga and Maunganui-Girven Road intersections improvement project.
This survey work will be undertaken along the rail corridor from Te Maunga SH29 to the Matapihi Road and includes topographical surveying and the locating of underground services. This survey work will provide further detail for the potential track realignment and the tie-in points to the existing rail corridor, including relocating the level crossing at Matapihi Road.
The Maunganui-Girven and Te Maunga intersections project will look to address the predicted long-term traffic volumes at these two busy intersections and some of the options being considered to improve congestion and safety include potentially relocating the railway into the Matapihi rail corridor behind Owens Place to free up more land on Maunganui Road.
All possible solution options for the project are still being investigated with the project team looking to identify a preferred option that will deliver the following benefits to community: reduce congestion in the area, improve travel time, provide more efficient connections and improve safety.
The Transport Agency’s acting Bay of Plenty highways manager, Mark Haseley says:
“This work is important to help identify the preferred option, ensuring that all factors have been taken into account. We expect the preferred option for the project to be announced early 2014 at a public open day.”
Analysis of the public feedback received at the open day in April this year, including environmental, cultural and social impacts assessments will all be taken into consideration when deciding on a preferred route.
The work is weather dependent and is likely to take a week to complete. Upon completion of the survey the Transport Agency will be able to use this information to continue to develop their understanding of each of the possible solution options.
For further information go to the Transport Agency website www.nzta.govt.nz/mgi(external link) or direct queries to the project manager, Greig Stephen, on (07) 927 6009.
