Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises State Highway 2 has now reopened between Bayfair roundabout and Te Maunga intersection.

This section of state highway was closed from Friday night, due to the construction of the second of Bay Link's three bridges.

During the closure, ten reinforced concrete beams, 26 metres long and weighing 47 tonne each, were placed across SH2 near Te Maunga intersection by a 350 tonne crane positioned in the middle of the state highway.

Following placement of the beams, further work is required to complete the bridge deck and barriers along the edges. After the bridge deck is poured a settlement period will begin, this allows the earth to settle once loads are applied to the ground below. This area will lay dormant until the majority of expected settlement has occurred, a process which is anticipated to take approximately three months.

The interchange bridge at Te Maunga is anticipated to open next summer under temporary traffic management.

Waka Kotahi thanks motorists, local residents and businesses for their patience during the closure and would also like to acknowledge Baypark Events Venue and Tauranga Airport for their work to accommodate this closure around major events and airspace considerations.