Two new signalised intersections at the northern end of Taurikura Drive are expected to go live on Monday, according to Tauranga City Council.

The intersections, one at the Tauranga Crossing main entry and the other at the shopping centre’s lower carpark entry, include new traffic lights, additional lanes, and shared paths for cyclists and pedestrians, council said in a statement this week.

A separate pedestrian crossing on Taurikura Drive has also been installed closer to the Whiore Ave roundabout.

Council said the upgrade is designed to improve safety and traffic flow by setting up Taurikura Drive as a public transport corridor into one of the city’s fastest-growing commercial and residential areas.

Tauriko ward councillor Marten Rozeboom says the project is a key part of preparing the area for the future, and integrates with walking, cycling and public transport improvements on Whiore Ave as part of the SH29 Tauriko Enabling Works.

“This upgrade is about more than just traffic lights and additional lanes – it’s about building a safer, more connected Tauriko into the future.

“The new intersections will make it easier for people to move around, whether they’re driving, walking, cycling or catching the bus.

“We know it’s been a challenging few months for drivers, and for businesses in Tauranga Crossing and the nearby Tauriko Business Estate, and I want to sincerely thank everyone for their patience as we’ve worked to get this done while maintaining access.”

Traffic management has enabled access to be maintained to Tauranga Crossing and BP Tauriko at all times throughout construction.

The majority of this traffic management will be removed from Taurikura Drive and the SH36 roundabout overnight on Sunday.

Some will remain for road surfacing work to continue this month.

Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to take care when travelling through the new layout and to follow all signage.

Minor traffic management will also remain on the sides of the road until the end of the year to enable the completion of other works in the area, including landscaping and the new bus stops outside Pak’nSave.

The intersections have been delivered using roller compacted concrete (RCC), a durable, fast-curing material that looks different to traditional asphalt and offers significant benefits.

“The compounds used in RCC make it possible for heavy vehicles to drive on newly surfaced roads much sooner than standard concrete, and its construction is faster than more traditional methods,” Nic Johansson, Tauranga City Council’s general manager of operations and infrastructure, said.

“That’s helped us complete the work faster, meaning a shorter period of disruption overall. While the surface may look a little different – lighter in colour and more textured – it’s been micro-milled to ensure a smooth ride and will tie in with the concrete finishes at Tauranga Crossing.”

Tauranga Crossing Ltd acting chief executive Andrew Campbell said it was a timely achievement for the new intersections to be operational now.

“We’re pleased to have been able to work with council to get these major changes to Taurikura Drive completed before the Tauranga Crossing Farmers expansion opens in mid-October, and with reduced disruption where possible."

With the new intersections operational, there will be some road surfacing during night shifts throughout October.

The new bus stops are expected to be open this month, and final landscaping and aesthetic works will follow until early next year.