Temporary changes coming to Cambridge Road/SH29 intersection

For people that live near or travel along Cambridge Road, some temporary disruptions are on the way during the school holidays later this month as part of the State Highway 29 (SH29) Tauriko Enabling Works project.

Work is underway on a major retaining wall at the intersection of SH29 and Cambridge Road. This is in preparation for a new, safer intersection with traffic lights, a key upgrade that will also include a new connection to Whiore Avenue for buses and people walking and cycling wanting to access Tauriko Business Estate.

Darryl Coalter, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Acting Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery says that great progress is already being made.

“We’ve already moved the power lines underground and we’re now ready to switch them on and remove the old lines and poles.

“To do this safely, there will be a short power outage and temporary lane closures. We’ve timed this work to happen during the school holidays to minimise overall disruption to the travelling public.”

Power outage and right-turn bay closure – Monday 22 September, 9am to 4pm

To switch on new underground power cables, a power outage is planned for both Cambridge Road and SH29. Affected customers will be notified by their power providers. During this time, temporary traffic management will include: 

• Cambridge Road - stop/go and a 30km/h speed limit.
• Cambridge Road to SH29 - closure of the right-turn bay. Hamilton-bound traffic must turn left onto SH29, then use the SH29/SH36 roundabout to change direction.
• SH29 - a lane shift and shoulder closure (westbound towards Hamilton).
• 60km/h speed limit on all approaches to the work site.
• All eastbound traffic (towards Tauranga/Bethlehem via Cambridge Road) will be maintained.

Cambridge Road lane closure – Sunday 28 September, 9am to 4pm

A closure of a section of the northbound lane (heading to Bethlehem) on Cambridge Road is also needed to safely remove the old power poles and lines on Cambridge Road and SH29. No power outage is required.

The lane closure includes a short section of road from the intersection with SH29 to 559 Cambridge Road. People should be prepared for moderate disruption. During this time, temporary traffic management will include:

• SH29/Cambridge Road intersection to Bethlehem Town Centre - detour routes for Bethlehem-bound traffic are expected to take approximately 15 minutes via SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road (toll applies), and approximately 22 minutes via SH29A and Cameron Road (free route).
• Cambridge Road residents - access from SH29 will be via the detours. We acknowledge the inconvenience and are committed to completing this work as quickly as possible.
• The southbound lane on Cambridge Road heading towards SH29 will remain open.
• Shoulder closures and mobile operations on SH29, with SH29 traffic maintained in both directions.

View larger/downloadable map [PDF, 377 KB]

NZTA thanks everyone for their patience during this important work.

Work to upgrade the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection is expected to be completed in 2027.

The SH29 Tauriko Enabling Works are being delivered by NZTA together with Tauranga City Council, with construction by Downer. 

Tauriko Enabling Works