The trial reopening of the Hairini St slip lane onto Turret Rd has been extended until March.

The trial, which began in October, was due to end on January 20 but the council has extended the end date to coincide with the delivery of a report on the trial to Tauranga City Council’s City Future Committee, when it would then be reconsidered.

The trial was initially proposed from October 20, 2025, to January 20, 2026, but has been extended to March 2026 to await further decision-making on the future of the trial, the council said in a statement this week.

“Council approved the trial reopening in July 2025 to allow Hairini residents and their visitors to use this lane to improve access to routes out of the community,” the council said.

“The only exception to the slip lane opening time is 6.30am-9.30am, Monday to Friday, when it is open to buses only for safety reasons.”

A $150 fine may be issued if the slip lane is used during this time.

For more information about the slip lane trial, visit letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/sliplanetrial

The Hairini Slip lane, where it merges with SH29A. Photo / Tauranga City Council