Construction of the Takitimu North Link stage one is at the halfway point. So far, 1,500,000 cubic metres of dirt have been lifted, and four out of 10 bridges have been completed.

The development is “exciting news” for the region, Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford said.

“Our Government’s renewed focus is on driving economic growth wherever we can – and we know that this project will do just that, reducing travel time and boosting productivity," Rutherford said.

Once completed, the Takitimu North Link stage one will save drivers an average of two to three minutes during peak hour traffic per day, Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell said.

“We know that those who live in and travel through our region will be thrilled with the progress of this vital road of national significance. When completed, it will unlock economic growth and improve productivity,” Uffindell said.

Crane pads are being constructed at the intersection of State Highway 2 and 15th Avenue, and piling will soon begin to build the new bridge connection.

The new Minden Gully bridge facing towards Birchwood Packhouse. Photo / Supplied

Divided into two stages, the first focused on the road between Tauranga to Te Puna and second from Te Puna to Ōmokoroa with 13.8km of road constructed.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi acting regional manager of infrastructure delivery for Waikato and Bay of Plenty Darryl Coalter said in an email that Takitimu North Link stage one will support economic growth, improve resilience, access and safety, and provide greater travel options.

The works include the construction of 10 bridge structures, 3 million cubic metres of earthworks, 19 culverts, eight-stream diversions, and seven wetlands, he said.

“Work continues at several other locations on-site with remaining bridges under construction at Smiths Farm, Wairoa Awa (River), and Minden Gully. At SH2 Loop Rd, a large culvert is being constructed.”

Takitimu Flyover, construction began in 2021, and as of February 18, 2025, has reached the halfway point. It is due to be completed in 2028. Photo / Waka Kotahi NZTA

It has primarily been an earthworks-driven project with around 3,000,000m3 of earthworks in complex and varied soils shifted, Coalter said.

“Weather has a huge effect on the programme and so it is the earthworks that has driven the construction timeline – especially during the record-breaking wet 2022 and 2023 season."

The project can generally only count on around 100 days of earthworks each year due to the inability to dry the wet fill material enough to compact it, Coalter said.

Takitimu North Link stage one is estimated to cost $884 million and is currently estimated to be completed in 2028.

The stage one project will create employment for around 4500 people over its duration, peaking at around 250 people on the job at any time.

It is being built to high safety standards, ensuring better safety for travellers in the Western Bay of Plenty.

“Safety features that greatly reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash include two lanes in each direction, roadside and the median barrier between opposing lanes, a grade-separated interchange, and a smooth alignment that offers good sight distance for drivers,” Coalter said.

Stage two is working towards being construction ready by end 2027.

For more information visit https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh2-waihi-to-tauranga-corridor/takitimu-north-link/stage-2-te-puna-to-omokoroa/ or Stage 1: Tauranga to Te Puna | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi