FAQs

How long will it take to build?

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency continues to work through multiple factors influencing the project timelines. These include adding the underpass scope at an advanced stage of the programme, challenges with ground conditions and the impact of COVID-19. We are currently reviewing the programme sequencing and overall project completion is likely to be in late 2022. Once the reprogramming process is complete we can then confirm completion timelines.

Who is building the project?

CPB Contractors were awarded the Design and Construct contract for the project following a robust tender process. Teaming up with CPB is their design team made up of Jacobs, Tonkin & Taylor and Align.

Beca are the principal’s agent on this project, which means they represent the Transport Agency onsite.

How much time will I save once it’s built?

The project should save around four minutes on trips between Mangatawa Interchange and Hewletts Road during peak hour traffic. This is an average time saving, and is significantly greater when compared against trips that were delayed in the past by train movements. This figure also takes into account future traffic growth on the route.

The completion of the enabling works, which relocated the railway line, has already delivered benefits to road users by reducing delays and improving reliability at the Maunganui-Girven intersection.

The project will also make journey times through the area more consistent and reliable.

What is happening at Bayfair?

Bayfair Shopping Centre is carrying out infrastructure improvements such as upgrading the storm-water facilities.

This work is not part of the Bay Link project, however the project team is working closely with the Bayfair Management Team. On the local roads, Harris Street access at the Bayfair end will be closed for the duration of these works.

What will be the clearance of the flyovers?

The minimum vertical clearance to the flyover structures will be 6.1 metres, in order to accommodate over dimension vehicles.

Will over-dimension vehicles still be able to use the route?

Yes. The project design allows for over-dimension vehicles for the following routes;-

Along the full length of Maunganui Road (SH2) connecting to the TEL
Along the new section of SH29A and connecting to SH2
Connecting SH2 to Girven Road

Will access to the local businesses (Baypark, Bayfair and Home Zone) be affected during construction?

Some changes to accessing neighbouring residents and business may occur throughout the project works.

We will be working closely with those impacted by the project. We will always write to you or meet with you before any works take place and if necessary, alternative accesses will be provided.

Will construction affect the flight path to Tauranga Airport?

The Bay Link works are in close proximity to Tauranga Airport, and so some construction activities (use of cranes, etc.) will need to be developed in collaboration with the airport to minimize effects.

What will be the changes to traffic conditions during construction?

The Transport Agency and CPB will be working hard to minimise the disruptions throughout the project, although it is likely some additional delays to your journey will be experienced.

For the safety of motorists and construction workers, changes to traffic conditions are required during construction when working on or near SH2 and SH29A and the surrounding local roads. Two lanes of traffic (each way) will be provided on the state highways and Girven Road, during all stages of construction.

How do I find out about changes to traffic conditions?

Advance notice will be provided via social media, weekly traffic updates, traffic reports, variable message signs and advertising where appropriate.

Will speed limits be reduced in the construction zone?

Yes. The lanes on SH2 between Te Maunga and Bayfair will be narrowed and the speed limit reduced for the duration of the project. This is to ensure safety for motorists and workers.

What are the traffic volumes through the site?

The average annual daily traffic volume (AADT) through the site is 38,000 vehicles per day.

What cycling facilities are being included as part of the project?

Off road shared pedestrian and cycle paths are being provided throughout the project corridor.

Crossing facilities will be at ground level so that pedestrians and cyclists travelling between Girven Road and Matapihi Road, and accessing Bayfair, will cross using the traffic lights. Facilities will also be provided for cyclists to travel through the intersection on the road.

To access Baypark, pedestrians and cyclists will cross using traffic signals at the elevated interchange, over SH2 and the railway line.

How will the pedestrian and cycle paths link into the wider network?

The location of the pedestrian and cycle paths have been selected so that they can link with TCC’s existing local pedestrian and cycling network. The project will continue to monitor the outcomes from TCC’s current Cycle Action Plan work, to understand if any connections need to be altered to accommodate future links.

Will cyclists and pedestrians be affected by the construction works?

All existing pedestrian and cycling routes will be maintained throughout the construction phase. At times, there may be some affects to routes which will be carefully sign posted.

How will the project be supporting public transport?

Waka Kotahi is working with the Regional Council to provide additional bus stops for future services along this corridor.

In addition to reducing journey time, the works will improve trip reliability to ensure bus timetables for services which run through this corridor remain consistent and dependable.

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