The team constructing the four-lane expressway that will connect Tauranga and Te Puna has made great progress, NZTA Waka Kotahi says.

Nearly two million hours of work have been completed on this Road of National Significance, and four of the 10 bridges are now complete.

The Takitimu North Link Stage One employs over 200 people, and more than 2000 have worked on this project since its inception in 2021.

There is plenty of activity happening with earthworks and environmental controls on each side of the Wairoa Awa (river) and the construction of the 355-metre bridge, which spans the valley flood plains, NZTA Waka Kotahi said.

“The Wairoa Valley bridge, a 10-span bridge, has three completed to date,” project director Brian Robertson said.

This season focuses on major works at State Highway 2 and Fifteenth Ave, State Highway 29 to Takitimu Drive Toll Rd, and Minden Road, Te Puna.

More than 1.5 million cubic metres of dirt have been shifted, and local roads in the Bethlehem and Tauriko areas have been completed, NZTA Waka Kotahi said.

“The expressway will support economic growth and productivity by providing a reliable, resilient and safe expressway connection for people travelling through the Western Bay of Plenty.”

The completion date for the project is 2028, and it hopes to contribute to the local economy and upskill communities, NZTA Waka Kotahi said.