Cambridge Rd motorists and residents can expect temporary disruptions this month, as work ramps up on a major upgrade at the State Highway 29 Tauriko intersection.

Construction is under way on a large retaining wall at the SH29 and Cambridge Rd junction, part of the Tauriko Enabling Works project.

The upgrade will deliver a safer, signalised intersection and a new link to Whiore Ave for buses, pedestrians and cyclists accessing Tauriko Business Estate.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s infrastructure delivery acting regional manager, Darryl Coalter, said progress is tracking well.

“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.”

A short section of the northbound lane on Cambridge Rd, from the SH29 intersection to 559 Cambridge Rd, will be closed for construction work. Image / NZTA

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

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

Cambridge Rd – stop/go and a 30km/h speed limit.

Cambridge Rd to SH29 – closure of the right-turn bay. Hamilton-bound traffic must turn left on to SH29, then use the SH29/SH36 roundabout to change direction.

SH29 – a lane shift and shoulder closure (westbound towards Hamilton).

A 60km/h speed limit is in force on all approaches to the work site.

All eastbound traffic (towards Tauranga/Bethlehem via Cambridge Rd) will be maintained.

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

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

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

SH29/Cambridge Rd intersection to Bethlehem Town Centre – detour routes for Bethlehem-bound traffic are expected to take about 15 minutes via SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road (toll applies), and about 22 minutes via SH29A and Cameron Rd (free route).

Cambridge Rd 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 Rd heading towards SH29 will remain open.

Shoulder closures and mobile operations on SH29, with SH29 traffic maintained in both directions.

Work to upgrade the SH29/Cambridge Rd 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.

For more information, visit: nzta.govt.nz/tauriko-enabling-works