Structural and seismic investigations on the Hairini Bridge are underway to determine the expected remaining useful life of the bridge and the seismic capacity of the bridge and piers.

The investigations, expected to be completed by mid-2026, were part of the 15th Ave to Welcome Bay project and aim to reduce congestion on Turret Rd in Tauranga.

The aim of the project was to help reduce traffic congestion and improve access to and from the city centre for people living in the Welcome Bay ward.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced in February 2025 that New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi would co-fund the next stage of the project, which is advancing the design to prepare for construction in 2027.

This phase has an estimated cost of $10.3m, of which NZTA would fund 51%, a statement from Tauranga City Council today said.

HEB Construction and Beca will lead and collaborate on the design process to ensure construction methods are considered early, with a plan to minimise disruption to the community during construction.

Tauranga City Council senior project manager Chris Farnsworth said the early contractor involvement model allowed for better cost control, improved collaboration, risk reduction, faster delivery, and enhanced quality.

“It also encourages innovation and transparency by involving the contractor early in the decision-making process, making it ideal for complex or large projects,” Farnsworth said.

Mayor Mahé Drysdale said Tauranga City Council was pleased to be moving forward on this key project.

Mayor Mahé Drysdale. Photo / Alex Cairns

“This transport corridor is the primary link connecting the Welcome Bay, Hairini, Ohauiti and Maungatapu communities to their jobs, schools, social, and cultural activities.

“As well as reducing congestion, the project will improve transport choice by providing improved walking and cycling facilities and help to improve social wellbeing and connectivity. More efficient movement of both people and goods also leads to improved productivity and economic growth so it’s a win-win for everyone in Tauranga,” Drysdale said.

HEB Construction senior project manager Brian Fuller said the company was excited to get started on the 15th Ave to Welcome Bay improvements.

“Being chosen to deliver this project alongside Tauranga City Council and Beca is a fantastic opportunity for our team. At HEB Construction, we’re proud to continue working with the Council and contributing to the Bay of Plenty community in this vibrant, growing region. We will work collaboratively from day one to minimise disruption, introduce innovative solutions and deliver smart, safe, and resilient infrastructure that benefits the community.”

Structural and seismic investigations on the Hairini Bridge are now underway to determine its expected remaining useful life and the seismic capacity of the existing bridge and piers.

These investigations are planned to be completed by mid-2026.

Once that information is available, full design will get underway. The community will have an opportunity to provide feedback before construction starts (currently planned for mid-2027 if further funding is approved by NZTA).

Proposed 15th Ave to Welcome Bay project

Completing four-laning of 15th Ave from Cameron Rd to Burrows St, one lane in each direction for general traffic and one high occupancy lane (T2) for vehicles with two or more passengers, including buses;

Intersection improvements on 15th Ave, including new signalised crossings, and shared walking and cycling facilities;

Three-laning of Hairini Bridge and causeway, including a tidal flow system, which means there could be two lanes of traffic going into the city in the morning, changing to two lanes going out of the city in the afternoon;

A clip-on shared-use path on Hairini Bridge for walking and cycling;

Resilience improvements to the Hairini Bridge and causeway;

New traffic signals at the intersection of Welcome Bay Rd and James Cook Drive;

Mini roundabout at the intersection of James Cook Drive and Victory St;

Renewals and upgrades to water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure along the corridor.

For more information about the project visit letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/welcomebay.