Ecological and ground investigations required for Stage Two of the Takitimu North Link project, between Te Puna and Omokoroa, are now underway.
Starting in late January, stormwater surveys, geotechnical investigations, and ecological and archaeological assessments will be carried out over several months, says Waka Kotahi Transport Ageny Portfolio Delivery Manager Jo Wilton.
'A team of specialists will be testing the soil and strength of the ground, surveying vegetation, streams, checking out birdlife and looking for evidence of bats.
"You'll see our drilling rigs, but we'll also be using more low-key equipment to complete this work."
These investigations will help to inform the planning and design of the second stage of the new Takitimu North Link expressway.
'Preliminary site investigations for Stage One of the project (Tauranga to Te Puna), are near completion with some archaeological assessments currently taking place.".
About the Takitimu North Link project
Funding has been provided through the New Zealand Upgrade Programme for Takitimu North Link, one of the Bay of Plenty's most significant roading projects.
The Takitimu North Link project is a new 14km four-lane expressway connecting Tauranga and Ōmokoroa, with a shared path for walking and cycling. It will be constructed in two phases.
Stage One is a 6.8km four-lane expressway between Tauranga and Te Puna. Stage Two extends the expressway a further 7km between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa.
Once complete, the Takitimu North Link will significantly improve safety and access, contribute to more sustainable transport for local communities, and support economic growth across the region.
For more information about the Takitimu North Link project: nzta.govt.nz/takitimunorth
Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey this summer. Keep up to date with:
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- Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
- Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)
4 comments
This is an expressway, so....
Posted on 28-01-2021 13:35 | By The Professor
With any luck, this new road (if it actually does get built) will be 100kph or 110kph and not a ridiculous 80 or 60!!! It should be mandated that all new expressways built in NZ from this point should be constructed to accommodate 100 or 110kph traffic. An opportunity to gradually modernise.
road
Posted on 28-01-2021 14:32 | By dumbkof2
it will be 20 years before they even start construction. after all the consultations and resourse consents and enviromental impact reports and then all the objections
Highways
Posted on 29-01-2021 10:09 | By CliftonGuy
Whilst a decent connection to Omokoroa is definitely needed, in the long term a decent connection through to Hamilton is required. The only solution here is a tunnel through the Kaimais. Far too much commercial goods are carried by trucks struggling over the Kaimais. After all, Tauranga is NZ's largest port, and the Kaimai connection is a bottleneck.
@ dumbkof2
Posted on 29-01-2021 11:27 | By The Caveman
And add 10 years to your 20 before its open and in use, given the speed of road construction in NZ.
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