March 2024
Older project images
- February 2024
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Culvert construction underway at the new SH29A entrance to Baypark. 
An overhead gantry sign installed above the SH2/Tauranga Eastern Link offramp at SH2/29A Te Maunga interchange. 
Bollards installed at the new Truman Lane walking and cycling connection. 
Eversham Road footpath and driveway being reinstated at a site access gate which was used throughout construction. 
A drainage swale is under construction between SH2 and SH29A to channel stormwater towards the project’s southern wetland. 
A concrete guardrail foundation curing before guardrail is installed on the side of Maunganui Road. 
Profile millers preparing the road surface for the application of final wearing course. The red lights illuminate an exclusion zone to keep workers safe from the machinery while it is in operation. 
The road’s final surface (wearing course) is rolled on SH2 on the approach to the SH2/Bayfair flyover. 
A road worker measures the temperature of the new asphalt as part of the required quality checks.
- January 2024
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Cyclist calming strips have been blasted into the concrete ramp leading to the walking and cycling underpass on the Golf 360 verge. 
Crews are setting out the central median barrier on SH2. 
Crews continue setting out the central median barrier on the SH2 Bayfair flyover. 
Crews are laying asphalt on Maunganui Road leading to SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange.
- December 2023
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The shared path leading into the underpass on the Matapihi approach has been poured and is now open to pedestrians and cyclists. 
Work is underway on the Maunganui Road bus bay, located after the Bayfair roundabout past the pedestrian underpass. 
A miller in use at the intersection of Matapihi Road and Owens Place during a night shift, preparing the road for the application of final surfacing. 
Newly installed guardrail on the SH29A verge, approaching the new SH29A roundabout. 
Newly installed fencing provides edge protection on the retaining walls adjacent to SH2. 
The ramp between SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange and Truman Lane was opened in December. 
Three new pou were installed in the middle of the SH29A roundabout and left covered prior to a dawn blessing by local hapū Ngāi Tukairangi, Ngāti Tapu and Ngā Pōtiki. 
People of Tauranga and visitors to the city are being welcomed by 3 striking pou whenua, representing 3 of the city’s tupuna wāhine/female ancestors, located in the SH29A roundabout. 
Three tupuna wāhine pou whenua were blessed by local hapū Ngāi Tukairangi, Ngāti Tapu and Ngā Pōtiki and unveiled by the rising sun, welcoming them into their final place, the SH29A roundabout.
- November 2023
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Construction continues on a centre median on SH29A and a new SH29A entrance for Baypark at the project’s southern end. 
Work has been underway throughout November preparing the road surface for the application of the final layer of asphalt, including on SH2 underneath SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. 
Prior to the area being planted, light brown coconut matting was laid on a side of SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange to assist with erosion control. 
Set out is completed for the construction of pou whenua foundations in the SH29A roundabout. 
Concrete kerbs are constructed behind barriers on SH29A. 
Tactile studs have been fitted to the Golf 360 stairs leading into the walking and cycling underpass heading towards Bayfair Shopping Centre. 
Services, including streetlight and fibre cabling, are installed on the verge beside the pedestrian and cyclist underpass outside Golf 360. 
The new signalised Bayfair roundabout in operation following a major traffic switch in early November. 
Crews hydroexcavate around services prior to construction of the foundations for overhead signage on Maunganui Road.
- October 2023
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Workers prepare to pour the concrete apron around the outer edge of the new, signalised Bayfair roundabout. 
The Bayfair flyover and the Bayfair roundabout, prior to turning the traffic signals on. 
Progress on the Truman stairs and walkway at the project’s southern end. 
Landscaping is underway adjacent to the new SH29A roundabout. 
The newly constructed central median island on SH29A. 
Anti-throw screens being fitted to the SH2 bridge on SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange.
- September 2023
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Red concrete has been used within the Bayfair roundabout to highlight the key route and connections to the three available signalised pedestrian crossings. 
The newly constructed and landscaped swale on SH29A, adjacent to the SH29A roundabout. 
Girven Road central median island under construction. 
Matapihi Road central median island under construction. 
A newly landscaped area of the project between SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange and the Eversham Road walkway. 
Crews construct the concrete kerb for the SH29A median island. 
Crews pour the concrete ramps at the Truman Lane stairs, which will connect SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange with Truman Lane. 
Supports for the anti-throw screens fitted on the SH2 bridge at SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. 
Crews install fascia panels on the retaining walls of SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. 
A pad foot roller compacts the road sub-base on Maunganui Road northbound approaching Bayfair roundabout. 
Crews install fascia panels on the retaining walls of SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. 
Crews pouring bridge beam ends on the Bayfair flyover from inside the Bayfair roundabout.
- August 2023
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During the full closure of Maunganui Road southbound between Bayfair roundabout and Exeter Street, new driveways were constructed and footpath poured to complete the walking and cycling connection between Girven Road and SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. 
A miller removes the old road surface on Maunganui Road northbound, opposite Exeter Street, prior to its reconstruction. 
Crews install a crash cushion at the end of the barriers on the final off-ramp of SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange, which opened to traffic part-way through August. 
Work at the new Bayfair roundabout is progressing as the project prepares to activate the roundabout and all new traffic signals on all approaching roads later in spring. 
A team member works on service ducting underneath the Bayfair flyover, adjacent to Bayfair roundabout. 
The final off-ramp of SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange open to traffic following a traffic switch in mid-August. At the same time, SH2 at ground level fully closed to allow for the installation of fascia panels, construction of surface drainage, landscaping and completion of finishing works. 
Extensive areas of the project are being landscaped this planting season, including the sides of all ramps at Te Maunga interchange and land adjacent to SH29A near the new roundabout.
- July 2023
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Preparing to pour concrete for the landings of the new stairs in Truman Park, which will provide for a walking and cycling connection between SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange and Baypark at project completion. 
Six pre-cast concrete stairs were craned into position in Truman Park, descending the embankment from SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange to Truman Lane. 
Graffiti guard is applied to fascia panels on the western side of the Bayfair flyover. 
The stabilised subbase is rolled prior to asphalt being laid on the final off-ramp of the SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange, due to open to road users in August. 
Boxing and reinforcing steel are prepared in the Bayfair roundabout, ahead of a concrete pour for the new shared path. 
Waterproof membrane is applied during road reconstruction on Maunganui Road southbound between the Bayfair roundabout and Exeter Street. 
Structural asphalt is placed on SH2 northbound. When the final off-ramp of the SH2/SH29A Te Maunga intersection opens next month, this section of SH2 at ground level will temporarily close to allow for the installation of fascia panels, construction of surface drainage, landscaping and finishing works. 
At the Bayfair roundabout, red coloured concrete has been used to highlight the key walking route through the roundabout, contributing to an attractive place which people want to use to connect between the Matapihi and Arataki areas once the roundabout is complete.
- June 2023
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Topsoil is added to the slopes in Truman Park, next to permanent asphalt on Truman Lane, immediately prior to restoring one lane in each direction on Truman Lane. 
Traffic services ducting is installed along the edge of the remaining off-ramp from Tauranga Eastern Link to SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. 
The stabilised subbase is rolled during road reconstruction in the canyon, a long, narrow work area on SH2. 
The subbase is graded prior to being stabilised, during road reconstruction on Maunganui Road southbound between Bayfair roundabout and Exeter Street. 
Permanent structural asphalt has been placed on Maunganui Road northbound, between Exeter Street and Bayfair roundabout. 
A traffic light, which will provide for a signalised pedestrian crossing, is erected on Maunganui Road approaching the Bayfair roundabout. 
A paver places permanent asphalt on Maunganui Road, between Bayfair roundabout and Concord Avenue. 
A roller compacts freshly placed asphalt in the canyon, the long, narrow work area on SH2.
- May 2023
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Rolling freshly placed asphalt on Truman Lane, prior to a traffic switch to restore one lane in each direction on the approach to the SH29A roundabout. 
A pallisade retaining wall under construction on SH29A to reinforce the carriageway. 
The stabilised subbase on the western side of the canyon (the SH2 work area that extends from Tauranga Eastern Link, underneath SH2/29A Te Maunga interchange towards Exeter Street) prior to asphalt being placed and construction of permanent concrete barriers. 
Workers test a drainage trench in the canyon, the SH2 work area that extends from Tauranga Eastern Link, underneath SH2/29A Te Maunga interchange towards Exeter Street. 
Pumice fill is distributed on the embankment that will form the new Tauranga Eastern Link off ramp, leading to SH2/29A Te Maunga interchange. 
A fascia panel is craned into position on the side of the off ramp under construction from Tauranga Eastern Link to SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. 
A pavement slot drain under construction on the remaining off ramp from Tauranga Eastern Link to SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. 
An early morning concrete pour of a gantry foundation on the remaining off ramp from Tauranga Eastern Link to SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. 
Finishing works on a gantry foundation, under construction on the remaining off ramp from Tauranga Eastern Link to SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. 
Concrete is poured to construct a permanent barrier between the underpass and the Bayfair roundabout. 
Concrete is poured to construct a permanent barrier at ground level, adjacent to a retaining wall of the Bayfair flyover. 
Kerb construction underway at ground level on Maunganui Road, adjacent to the Bayfair flyover.
- April 2023
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Stabilising the sub-base on the Bayfair flyover northern ramp in early April. 
With the sub-base prepared, asphalt was then placed and rolled during day shifts on the Bayfair flyover. 
The days leading up to the opening of the Bayfair flyover saw shift after shift of asphalt being placed and mulitple crews working along its 520m length. 
Crews worked around the clock to prepare the flyover for opening to the public, including placing asphalt during night shifts.
In late April, the Bay Link team was delighted to open the Bayfair flyover to traffic and realise the project’s objective to make it a safer journey for everyone by separating state highway traffic from local, suburban road users at the Bayfair roundabout. 
At a dawn blessing ahead of its opening to traffic, local hapu Ngāti Tapu, Ngāi Tukairangi and Ngā Pōtiki cleared the way for the flyover and paid tribute to the historical use of the Bay Link corridor. 
The road sub-base is stablised as part of the road reconstruction that has been underway on the western side of Truman Lane. 
After the sub-base is completed, new kerbing was poured on Truman Lane readying the area for asphalting in May. 
High-strength geofabric is rolled out as part of the ground improvements underway on SH29A.
- March 2023
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Following a traffic switch, old State Highway 2 asphalt is removed from the canyon, a long, narrow work area in the middle of SH2 extending from Exeter Street towards Tauranga Eastern Link under the SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. 
An excavator finishes stabilising the subbase layer on the southern ramp of the Bayfair flyover as part of constructing the new road. 
A truck supplies cement which was used to stabilise the subbase on the southern ramp of the Bayfair flyover during road construction. 
Work continued on the Bayfair flyover throughout March, including the installation of permanent precast barriers on the flyover’s edges and concrete pours between bridge spans to stitch the bridge deck together. 
The Tauranga Eastern Link offramp continues to take shape, with preparation for permanent barrier foundations ongoing throughout the month. 
Finished subgrade on the southern ramp of the Bayfair flyover, prior to stabilising and asphalting. 
Completed kerbing and tactile pavers on the northern side of the Bayfair roundabout. 
Spraypainted marks have been applied on the southern ramp of the Bayfair flyover to assist in the placement of the second layer of asphalt. 
A team member inspects the road surface during the reconstruction of part of SH29A approaching the new roundabout. 
Asphalt is placed by an excavator on the northern lane of the Bayfair roundabout, prior to a traffic switch which restored two lanes around the roundabout between Matapihi Road and Girven Road.
- February 2023
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A permanent, precast concrete barrier is landed on top of the Bayfair flyover. These barriers, which will be placed along both edges of the flyover’s full extent, each weigh up to 5.3 tonne and measure up to 6 metres long. 
Permanent asphalt has been placed in the canyon – a long, narrow work area in the middle of SH2 extending from Exeter Street towards Tauranga Eastern Link. The location of the single northbound lane has been switched onto this asphalt, opening up a new work area for the remaining road reconstruction. 
Progress continues on the Tauranga Eastern Link offramp, which will connect with the SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. The retaining walls are now completed and crews are preparing to install fascia panels which cover the retaining walls, providing the finished surface that will be visible to road users. 
Reinforcing steel for barrier support bases has been installed atop a retaining wall of the Tauranga Eastern Link offramp. 
A roller compacts the road’s subgrade prior to placement of the subbase as part of the road reconstruction of the northern lanes around the Bayfair roundabout. 
Permanent concrete barriers are poured around the southern bridge abutment of the Bayfair flyover. 
Landscaping works have been underway alongside the SH2 underpass. Large boulders have been placed next to planter boxes, new permanent lights and the first of three CCTV camera poles have been installed beside the underpass’ central open-air section.
- January 2023
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Landscaping works are underway around the Bayfair underpass and a pier for the new flyover. 
Our crews are inspecting a new delivery of boulders which will be placed either side of the underpass. 
A concrete pour is underway on the northern ramp of the Bayfair flyover. 
Precast concrete barriers along the top of a retaining wall on the southern ramp of the Bayfair flyover. Work continues on the flyover ahead of its expected opening in autumn. 
Patterns of pātiki (flounder) feature on fascia panels fitted to the retaining wall at the end of the Bayfair flyover’s southern ramp. These are some of the many mahi toi included across the project, and have been designed by local artists Linda Munn and Maraea Timutimu. 
Drainage being installed on Truman Lane.
- December 2022
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A miller removes old asphalt from the road surface on Truman Lane to ensure existing and new asphalt joins neatly. 
A section of Truman Lane was reduced to a single lane westbound in December to enable the next stage of road reconstruction in the area. 
The final ramp of the SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange (the TEL offramp) is taking shape and currently expected to open to the public in autumn. 
The new Bayfair roundabout is under construction, with a single lane available between Matapihi Road and Girven Road while the outer lanes are built. 
The old Truman Lane road surface is removed following a traffic switch in December, ahead of its replacement as part of Bay Link. 
A membrane layer is applied to the subbase on Truman Lane, prior to asphalt being laid. 
Layers of the subgrade beneath SH29A are exposed by a vertical cut (made to allow the installation of ground improvements in the area). 
The top of a retaining wall is prepared for fascia panels on the final ramp, the TEL offramp, of the SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. 
An engineer sets out the extent of the new road surface that is being constructed in the middle of SH2 to merge with the existing Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL). 
Excavations are underway as part of the construction of the outer lanes of the new Bayfair roundabout.
- November 2022
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A steel fixer ties reinforcing steel on structural components of the Bayfair flyover’s northern ramp. 
Formwork is lifted into place on the northern ramp of the Bayfair flyover, ahead of a concrete pour. 
A finished fascia panel, featuring recessed patterns of pāpaka (mud crab), fitted to the side of the Bayfair flyover’s southern ramp. 
Stabilising of the subbase is underway in the middle of the Bayfair roundabout as part of the road reconstruction in this area. 
Placing structural asphalt around the Bayfair roundabout prior to traffic being switched onto this new road surface. 
Structural asphalt being rolled in the canyon, a long, narrow work area in the middle of State Highway 2 extending from the end of Exeter Street towards Tauranga Eastern Link under Te Maunga interchange. 
Sets of precast concrete stairs are delivered to the Bay Link site, ahead of their installation in the Truman Lane walkway which will connect Te Maunga interchange to Truman Lane next year. Work will continue on other elements of the walkway, including rails, the concrete ramp and lighting, before it opens to the public, a milestone expected in autumn 2023.
- October 2022
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Concrete is poured for fascia panel foundations on the northern ramp of the Bayfair flyover. 
The road surface inside Bayfair roundabout is readied for the application of asphalt, scheduled in early November. Once the asphalt is placed, a traffic switch will move road users onto the new road surface enabling the next stage of road reconstruction to get underway. 
The Bayfair flyover extends over Bayfair roundabout, where the new signalised roundabout is currently under construction. In the far distance, a crane installs fascia panels on one side of the flyover’s southern ramp, providing the finished surface to the retaining wall that will be visible to road users. 
A digger shifts pumice to shape the site of the future Truman Lane walkway. In coming months, precast stairs will be installed as the walkway construction progresses. 
The slipform paver machine in operation, constructing permanent concrete barriers along the front wall of a SH2 off-ramp underneath Te Maunga interchange. Concrete is added to one end of this specialist piece of machinery as it inches forward, producing a line of barriers while in motion. 
Permanent concrete barriers have been constructed around two sides of the Bayfair flyover northern ramp using a slipform paver machine. This work was completed during night shifts to minimise the impact of this work, and the associated lane closures, on people traveling through the area.
- September 2022
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At completion, the Bay Link project will feature a new Truman Lane walkway, improving walking and cycling connections between Bayfair and Baypark. Here, a roller readies a sand bed for shallow ground improvements to be completed on the site where stairs and a ramp are to be constructed as part of the walkway. 
Further along Truman Lane engineers inspect the road subgrade which has been exposed, improved and tested as part of the road reconstruction in this area. Once the subgrade has been approved, various roading layers will be constructed back up towards ground level before permanent asphalt is laid on top. 
Once shallow ground improvements are complete, sand is applied over the top as part of the construction of the Truman Lane walkway that will connect Bayfair and Baypark via the SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. 
Workers are installing stormwater drainage in a work area termed ‘the canyon’. This long, narrow space in the middle of SH2 extends from near Exeter Street, underneath the SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange and onto the Tauranga Eastern Link. 
New road is being constructed in the canyon as part of Bay Link. Here, a grader smooths out roading metal prior to new permanent asphalt being laid. 
With the last set of bridge beams installed across the final span of the Bayfair flyover in August and reinforcing steel then tied in place, the concrete bridge deck for this remaining span was poured in situ in the early hours of a September morning. 
Load-bearing retaining walls utilise concrete blocks and steel reinforcing ladders fitted horizontally behind the wall, as depicted here on the northern ramp of the four-span Bayfair flyover next to the bridge beams for the flyover’s first span. 
People may have observed a crane in the middle of SH2 on a weekly basis throughout September. Crews have been busy installing precast concrete fascia panels on one face of the Bayfair flyover’s southern ramp, providing the finished layer over the ramp’s retaining wall. Some of these fascia panels, which measure up to 7.8m high and weigh up to 12T, feature cultural elements designed by our iwi partners.
- August 2022
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Bridge beams were craned into position on the fourth span of the Bayfair flyover in early August. With all beams for this bridge now installed, the scale and form of the flyover is apparent for all to see. 
After the old grass verge on State Highway 2/Tauranga Eastern Link was removed, the road was dug out to the subgrade level, which will form the foundation upon which new road surface is constructed. 
Old asphalt has been removed from the Bayfair roundabout, ahead of excavation to the subgrade level and road reconstruction. Bayfair roundabout was enlarged in mid-August to accommodate this central work zone. 
Bayfair Shopping Centre’s first Girven Road entrance after the Bayfair roundabout has been reconstructed as part of Bay Link, and is due to reopen to road users in September. 
Work continues on ground improvements in the Truman Lane walkway area (which was previously occupied by the Truman Lane/State Highway 29A roundabout) alongside road reconstruction on Truman Lane, adjacent to live traffic lanes. 
Approximately 10,000 plants have recently taken root on the north-western banks of the SH2/29A Te Maunga interchange, either side of the railway line. 
Below ground workers inspect a sewage line which runs through the Bay Link site, ahead of installing a manhole around it to provide access for future maintenance.
- July 2022
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Following the partial opening of the SH2/29A Te Maunga interchange, which separates SH29A traffic from the railway line, an excavator breaks up the old road surface at the site of the former signalised intersection. 
The road surface on the Tauranga Eastern Link, immediately south of SH2/29A Te Maunga interchange, has also been excavated, ahead of road reconstruction. 
A miller machine removes deep lift asphalt on the Tauranga Eastern Link, readying the area for road reconstruction. 
A pad is constructed between the underpass and the northern ramp of the Bayfair flyover, on which a 300 tonne crane will sit to install bridge beams across the fourth and final span of the flyover in August. 
Where SH29A formerly met SH2 at the Te Maunga signalised intersection, the site of the future TEL northbound offramp has now been excavated ahead of construction of the retaining walls for the embankment. 
Prior to the construction of new road surface, new stormwater drainage is installed on SH2 immediately north of the Te Maunga interchange, up to 2.5 metres below the new road level.
- June 2022
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A road worker spreads fill on the northern ramp of the Bayfair flyover, which is increasing in height as the retaining walls continue to progress. 
Concrete is poured for a support beam on one of the retaining walls of the Bayfair flyover’s northern ramp. Precast concrete fascia panels will later be attached to these beams, covering the retaining wall’s face. 
The new State Highway 29A roundabout, constructed as part of Bay Link, is readied for public use ahead of the partial opening of the new Te Maunga interchange in early July. 
Line marking of the new Te Maunga intersection was completed in June, ahead of its impending partial opening. 
Road workers inspect reinforcing steel on one span of the four-span Bayfair flyover, prior to the early morning concrete pour of this section of bridge deck.
- May 2022
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Work continues to prepare the new SH2/29A Te Maunga interchange for its partial opening. A crane is lifting fascia panels into position on the retaining wall running between SH2 and the back of Eversham Road; and crews work on barriers on the northbound SH2 ramp. 
A German slipform paver machine, believed to be one of few in New Zealand, has been in use constructing barriers on the new SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. Unlike precast barriers (which are manufactured offsite) or in situ barriers (where concrete is poured into stationary formwork on site), the slipform machine produces barriers while in motion. 
Traffic lanterns drying in the sun prior to installation on the new SH2/29A Te Maunga interchange. 
Road workers add finishing touches to barrier seams on the SH2 bridge, which forms part of SH2/29A Te Maunga interchange. 
The longest retaining wall on the Bay Link project is approximately 280m long and up to 10m high – located between SH2 and the back of Eversham Road. Eighty-two fascia panels are fitted onto the face of the retaining wall, providing its visible finish. 
A further six beams were installed onto the third span of the Bayfair flyover overnight in late May. 
With beams now landed on three spans, the Bayfair flyover structure is taking. Beams for the fourth and final span are expected to be landed later in winter 2022. 
The three retaining walls of the northern ramp of Bayfair flyover, located in the middle of SH2 outside Bayfair Shopping Centre, are about 30% complete. 
Since a switch in mid-April, the new underpass has been available in a temporary configuration for pedestrians and cyclists to cross SH2. Passing between the emerging northern ramp and an adjacent pier of the Bayfair flyover, it offers users a different perspective of the works underway.
- April 2022
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A layer of deep lift asphalt, up to 200mm thick, is applied to the Tauranga Eastern Link on-ramp as part of the Te Maunga interchange. 
Work has continued to prepare Te Maunga interchange for partial opening. Here, the cement treated sub-base is ready for asphalt to be laid and a crane lifts fascia panels onto the retaining wall which runs between the side of the interchange and the back of Eversham Road. 
The underpass was opened to pedestrians and cyclists in a temporary configuration during April, allowing the temporary signalised crossing on SH2 to be removed and construction to begin on the northern ramp of the Bayfair flyover. 
A total of 12 bridge beams were landed on the first two spans of the Bayfair flyover during two night shifts this month. 
The beam installations were done at night to minimize any impact on traffic and fit around Tauranga Airport’s flight schedules. 
Each of the reinforced concrete bridge beams weighs up to 54 tonnes and was lifted into place by a 300 tonne crane, positioned in the middle of Bayfair roundabout.
- March 2022
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Benkleman beam testing, which measures deflection using the beam and a loaded truck, is underway during pavement construction in the middle of Girven Road. It is one of many quality tests undertaken to ensure the new road is constructed on a solid foundation. 
Guardrail is installed on the SH29A ramp, forming part of the Te Maunga interchange. After asphalt is laid, guardrails, streetlights, traffic signals, temporary line marking and street signs are the remaining elements to be installed prior to the interchange partially opening to traffic mid this year. 
A precast concrete fascia panel is ready for installation on the southern abutment of the Bayfair flyover. Three of the five panels on this abutment feature recessed pātiki (flounder), one of many cultural artworks which have been designed by our iwi partners to feature across the project. 
Fascia panels are fitted to the retaining wall on the side of the embankment between SH2 and the back of Eversham Road. Eighty-two panels are being installed along this wall, which forms the back of the SH2 southbound offramp and the TEL onramp as part of the new Te Maunga interchange. 
The reinforcing steel of a bridge beam is inspected prior to the concrete being poured. Twelve such beams, each measuring 28m long and weighing up to 54 tonnes, are being manufactured in Te Puke ready for installation on the first two spans of the four-span Bayfair flyover. 
The Bayfair approach to the underpass is readied for an upcoming switch in April, which will see it made available to people walking and cycling, and the existing temporary signalised crossing on SH2 removed. 
Excavation is underway in the middle of SH2 just north of the Bayfair roundabout in preparation for construction of the Bayfair flyover’s northern ramp. 
Construction of the supporting abutment on the southern ramp of the Bayfair flyover is underway, prior to bridge beams being installed between the abutment and the adjacent pier.
- February 2022
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Steel cages for the base and walls of the underpass’ central open-air section are craned into position in the middle of State Highway 2. The central section is made up of four segments, each with reinforcing steel weighing up to 12 tonnes. 
Vertical formwork is fitted to the edges of the central open-air section of the underpass, prior to the concrete walls being poured. 
The State Highway 29A ramp has been asphalted, ahead of the opening of the Te Maunga interchange to road users mid this year. The interchange will improve safety by removing the need to cross the railway line at grade. 
The last layer of high-grade geogrid reinforcement has been laid out on the southern ramp of the Bayfair flyover. This grid forms part of the retaining wall system and is the last to be placed before the road is constructed on top of the ramp. 
The remainder of the State Highway 29A ramp, which has been asphalted ahead of the opening of the Te Maunga interchange to road users mid this year. 
A night asphalting operation is underway on the ramp leading from the new roundabout adjacent to State Highway 29A to the new rail bridge. 
A small section of Girven Road, between the Bayfair roundabout and Gloucester Road, was reduced to one lane in each direction to allow for road construction in the central section. The existing road was excavated prior to testing of the subgrade layer on which new road will be constructed.
- January 2022
A section of State Highway 2 was closed in mid-January in order to keep road users safe while barriers and ducting were installed on the new bridge above the existing road. These are some of the final elements to be installed on the Te Maunga interchange prior to its opening to motorists in 2022.
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With the three bridge piers well progressed, the first bridge beams for the Bayfair flyover are scheduled to be landed in 2022. 
A crane, positioned on the rail bridge which forms part of the Te Maunga interchange, lifts precast concrete barriers into position along the bridge’s outer edges. 
The subgrade is trimmed and roading metal delivered during pavement construction on the SH29A ramp that leads to the rail bridge. 
Various supports for the Bayfair flyover are shown at different stages of construction. From left to right, four steel cages stand vertically to form a bridge pier next to the Bayfair roundabout while in the middle of the roundabout two additional bridge piers are further progressed. The southern abutment of the Bayfair flyover is pictured on the right. 
The precast concrete barriers fitted on the rail bridge feature a patiki pattern, one of the project’s many cultural elements which have been designed by our iwi partners. 
A precast concrete barrier is installed on the side of the rail bridge. Twenty-one such barriers are being installed on this bridge and its approaches, each weighing up to 4.5T and measuring up to 6M long. 
Located in the middle of State Highway 2 immediately north of the Bayfair roundabout, construction is underway on the central section of the underpass and the adjacent supports for the Bayfair flyover, including a bridge pier in this area. 
Progress on the new pedestrian and cyclist underpass is now focusing on the construction of the central open-air trench. This image is taken from the underpass’ eastern box section near Bayfair, across the location of the central open-air trench to the western box section on the Matapihi side.
- December 2021
At completion, the four-span Bayfair flyover will take SH2 traffic over the Bayfair roundabout. The roundabout is also being upgraded to a larger version with traffic signals, which will allow for more controlled flow and movement of vehicles, and improve overall safety for road users.
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With the three bridge piers well progressed, the first bridge beams for the Bayfair flyover are scheduled to be landed in 2022.
A crane, positioned on the rail bridge which forms part of the Te Maunga interchange, lifts precast concrete barriers into position along the bridge’s outer edges.
The subgrade is trimmed and roading metal delivered during pavement construction on the SH29A ramp that leads to the rail bridge.
Various supports for the Bayfair flyover are shown at different stages of construction. From left to right, four steel cages stand vertically to form a bridge pier next to the Bayfair roundabout while in the middle of the roundabout two additional bridge piers are further progressed. The southern abutment of the Bayfair flyover is pictured on the right.
The precast concrete barriers fitted on the rail bridge feature a patiki pattern, one of the project’s many cultural elements which have been designed by our iwi partners.
A precast concrete barrier is installed on the side of the rail bridge. Twenty-one such barriers are being installed on this bridge and its approaches, each weighing up to 4.5T and measuring up to 6M long.
Located in the middle of State Highway 2 immediately north of the Bayfair roundabout, construction is underway on the central section of the underpass and the adjacent supports for the Bayfair flyover, including a bridge pier in this area.
Progress on the new pedestrian and cyclist underpass is now focusing on the construction of the central open-air trench. This image is taken from the underpass’ eastern box section near Bayfair, across the location of the central open-air trench to the western box section on the Matapihi side.
- November 2021
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A member of the Bay Link project team sets out the location of four columns for another of the Bayfair flyover’s bridge supports. The columns will form part of the second bridge pier to be located in the middle of the Bayfair roundabout. 
Testing to determine the compaction of the pumice fill is undertaken on the southern ramp of the Bayfair flyover, located in the middle of State Highway 2/Maunganui Road. This testing is carried out at the completion of each 600mm layer. 
Core cutter testing also measures the compaction of the pumice fill via samples taken from site and analysed in a laboratory. Compaction testing is part of the project’s quality management and measures the ramp’s density and moisture content ahead of pavement construction. 
A fascia support beam, on the corner of the southern ramp of the Bayfair flyover closest to Matapihi, is poured in situ. These beams will have precast concrete fascia panels fixed to the front, covering the retaining wall’s structural blocks. 
A loader delivers pumice which is being used to backfill the southern ramp of the Bayfair flyover. Approximately 17,000m3 of pumice will be used in this ramp at its completion. 
Steel fixers work on the foundation and cages of the bridge support, under construction in the middle of the Bayfair roundabout. 
The Bayfair flyover is under construction, with cages for the second bridge pier stood in late November. At completion, the four-span flyover will be supported by three bridge piers and two abutments. 
Following a major traffic switch in early November, State Highway 2/Maunganui Road traffic is now driving over the top of the completed outer sections of the new pedestrian and cyclist underpass. This section leads to the Bayfair verge. 
The two outer covered sections of the underpass will be connected by a central 60-metre-long open-air trench. This completed outer box section leads to the Matapihi verge. 
Excavation is underway in the middle of the Bayfair roundabout prior to the construction of the second bridge pier in the area. A third bridge pier will be constructed immediately north of the roundabout to help support the new Bayfair flyover. 
With the outer box sections of the underpass now complete, State Highway 2/Maunganui Road traffic has been split either side of a central work zone. Construction is underway on the central open-air trench and bridge supports for Bayfair flyover.
- October 2021
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A grader prepares the basecourse on Girven Road prior to asphalt being laid. 
The underpass’ outer sections were a flurry of activity prior to the November 7 traffic switch, which moved traffic from the middle of State Highway 2/Maunganui Road over the external box sections to create a central work zone. 
The recently-constructed eastern box of the underpass is backfilled to road subgrade, prior to the construction of permanent pavement over the top. 
Progress has continued on the remaining components of the two southern bridges, prior to pavement construction in this area in coming months. 
New pavement has been constructed around the corner from State Highway 2/Maunganui Road onto Girven Road, ahead of the traffic switch on November 7. 
The basecourse next to the eastern box section of underpass is stabilised before permanent asphalt is placed. 
Concrete is poured on the barrier retaining wall on the Matapihi verge, near the underpass’ western approach. 
Adjustments are made to the reinforced steel that will form part of the approach ramp to the underpass’ western edge, prior to a concrete pour. 
A concrete truck delivers concrete for the barrier retaining wall on the Matapihi verge, near Golf 360 and the underpass’ western approach. 
Construction of the bridge abutment will soon get underway on the southern ramp of the Bayfair flyover. Next year, bridge beams will be landed between the ramp and the bridge pier in the middle of the Bayfair flyover.
- September 2021
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More than 1000 high-grade steel ladders and 1900 concrete blocks will be used for the abutment of the Bayfair flyover’s southern ramp, currently under construction in the middle of SH2. As pictured, the ladders are installed behind the concrete blocks to help anchor the Mechanically Stabilised Earth wall. 
At completion, the four-span Bayfair flyover will take SH2 traffic over the Bayfair roundabout, providing a separate, streamlined freight route from the Tauranga Eastern Link to the Port of Tauranga. The southern ramp is currently under construction, with alternating layers of pumice (left) and geogrid (right) forming the embankment. 
The underpass’ outer portions have been a major area of focus in September, in anticipation of a significant traffic switch in November which will see SH2 motorists driving over these new box sections. As pictured, the western ramp and underpass portal are under construction near Golf 360. 
Backfilling around the underpass’ eastern box section, outside Bayfair Shopping Centre, is almost complete. Starting in late October, permanent pavement will be constructed over this portion of the underpass before SH2 traffic headed towards Papamoa is switched to this location in November, enabling work on the underpass’ central open-air trench to begin. 
Workers construct the Mechanically Stabilised Earth wall that will form the Arataki side of the Bayfair flyover’s southern ramp. This wall utilises galvanised steel baskets, geotextile reinforcement and a compacted pumice mix. 
Compacted pumice is used to build up the embankment of the Bayfair flyover’s southern ramp.
- August 2021
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The completed western box section of the underpass, between Golf 360 and State Highway 2/Maunganui Road. 
The completed eastern box section of the underpass with the entrance base poured, between Bayfair Shopping Centre and State Highway 2/Maunganui Road. 
High-grade steel reinforcing ladders are installed behind the face of a concrete block Mechanically Stabilised Earth wall to help anchor it. This load-bearing wall will form part of the southern abutment of the Bayfair flyover. 
An excavator backfills part of the underpass on the eastern verge, between State Highway 2 and Bayfair Shopping Centre. 
A retaining wall, which will form part of the southern ramp of the Bayfair flyover, progresses in the middle of State Highway 2. This retaining wall is constructed using galvanised steel baskets with a compacted pumice mix encased in geotextiles and restrained with geogrid. 
Geofabric is rolled out in the middle of State Highway 2 as part of the construction of Mechanically Stabilised Earth walls. 
An excavator works behind barriers to remove old pavement on Girven Road that is being replaced as part of the Bay Link project.
- July 2021
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The first of ten reinforced concrete beams that will form the bridge spanning State Highway 2 near Te Maunga intersection is lifted into place by a crane positioned on the state highway. 
The bridge beams were transported individually to site and queued in a closed lane on the Tauranga Eastern Link, awaiting installation by crane. 
Each of the ten beams for the new bridge spanning State Highway 2 was approximately 26 metres long and weighed 47 tonnes. A 350-tonne positioned in the middle of the state highway was used to lift them into place 
A construction worker helping land the bridge beams that span State Highway 2. 
Workers started at first light lifting the first beam into place for the bridge that will span State Highway 2 near Te Maunga intersection. 
The last of ten beams is lifted into place on the new bridge spanning State Highway 2 near Te Maunga intersection. Placement of the bridge beams was completed ahead of schedule, enabling the early reopening of the state highway. 
A layer of geogrid is checked as part of the construction of Mechanically Stabilised Earth walls in the middle of State Highway 2 near Bayfair roundabout. 
A roller compacting the Mechanically Stabilised Walls under construction in the middle of State Highway 2, near the Bayfair roundabout. 
A construction worker checks the soffit formwork prior to the pour of the roof of the eastern box section of the underpass. 
The deck of the new bridge over State Highway 2 was poured in the early morning using 100m3 of concrete delivered by 17 trucks.
- June 2021
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An excavator installs drainage blanket on top of stone column ground improvements in the work area in the middle of State Highway 2, just south of the Bayfair roundabout. Drainage blanket serves to disperse any water that may surface in the event of an earthquake. 
Formwork for the base of the underpass’ western box section is installed prior to the base pour. 
Formwork has been installed for the walls of the eastern box section of the underpass. 
Formwork for the walls of the eastern box section of the underpass is craned into position on the verge of State Highway 2/Maunganui Road outside Bayfair Shopping Centre. 
Constructed as part of the Bay Link project, the Southern wetland is located beyond Titoki Place near the rail line which runs adjacent to State Highway 29A. It treats water collected off the road network and has been planted with approximately 35,000 plants. 
A precast concrete fascia panel is installed in front of a Mechanically Stabilised Earth wall next to State Highway 2. These fascia panels will be located underneath the project’s second bridge that spans SH2 and will feature cultural elements designed by our iwi partners. 
Work continues on both abutments of the bridge that will span State Highway 2 near Te Maunga intersection, ahead of the bridge beams being landed in July.
- May 2021
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Pouring blinding concrete for the eastern box section of the underpass. 
Workers screed the blinding concrete on the eastern box section of the underpass in order to level the surface. 
Following April’s traffic switch, which moved motorists into the centre of SH2/Maunganui Road, the western and eastern boxes of the new underpass have started taking shape. 
Steel fixers at work on top of a pier in the middle of Bayfair roundabout which will help support the Bayfair flyover. 
Construction workers prepare the road subgrade (the final layer before pavement construction begins) on the Bayfair verge. 
Located in the middle of State Highway 2, this area will be home to the southern ramp of the Bayfair flyover. Here workers prepare the subgrade ahead of construction of the Mechanically Stabilised Earth (MSE) walls that will form the sides of the embankment. 
Subterranean lattice pile ground improvements, which will sit underneath the bridge abutments for the Bayfair flyover, can be seen at the top of this work area in the middle of State Highway 2. 
This area in the middle of State Highway 2 is readied for the construction of the southern ramp of the Bayfair flyover. 
Construction progresses on the southern interchange which will form the intersection of State Highways 2 and 29A. 
The rail bridge and surrounding areas, which form part of the southern interchange, are observing a mandated settlement period, allowing the majority of expected earth settlement to occur. This process is expected to take around three months. 
This is the onramp for the Tauranga Eastern Link from the southern interchange. The wall under construction on the top of the ramp will have concrete barriers fitted. 
The southern interchange will feature two bridges – the rail bridge shown in this image and a second bridge over SH2 that is yet to be constructed.
- April 2021
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New pavement under construction on the northbound SH2 onramp. 
Temporary pavement was constructed in the middle of SH2 north of the Bayfair roundabout, ready for traffic to be switched into the centre to open up work zones on both verges. 
New pavement under construction on the southern ramp, leading from the southern roundabout to the rail bridge. 
The lattice pile ground improvements just south of the Bayfair roundabout protrude from the ground. This site will support an abutment for the flyover bridge. 
Four steel cages, each standing eight metres high, were craned into place in the middle of the Bayfair roundabout. These four structures are the columns for one of the piers that will support the flyover bridge. 
The retaining walls at the project’s southern end between SH2 and the back of Eversham Road are continuing to grow in size, ahead of the beams for the SH2 bridge being installed later this year. 
With SH2 traffic switched to the centre, work has progressed on both the Bayfair and Matapihi verges in preparation for construction of the new underpass. 
Stone columns can be seen in the middle of SH2, where they have been installed to help densify the ground prior to the construction of an embankment for the flyover bridge. 
The honeycomb formation of the lattice pile ground improvements is apparent immediately south of the Bayfair roundabout and indicate the location of an abutment for the flyover bridge. 
Excavations have begun in the middle of SH2 south of the Bayfair roundabout prior to the construction of the embankment for the flyover bridge. 
With SH2 traffic now switched to the centre of the road, the Bayfair verge work zone has been made larger to enable the demolition of the final sections of the former underpass. 
The former concrete and steel underpass is removed to make way for construction of the replacement underpass in the same location.
- March 2021
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Workers finishing concrete during the pouring of the rail bridge deck at the project’s southern end. 
The deck is poured for the rail bridge, involving 22 truckloads carrying 130m3 worth of concrete. 
Lattice pile ground improvements near the Bayfair roundabout are trimmed to the required level. To ensure the integrity and accuracy of the lattice piles to the full design level, they are constructed in excess of their finished state before being trimmed back. 
Workers inspect the ground improvements which will sit under a pier of the new flyover bridge at the project’s northern end. 
Work has been underway in the middle of Bayfair roundabout, installing and later trimming lattice piling ground improvements that will support two piers for the flyover bridge. 
About 40T of reinforcing steel was used on the deck of the rail bridge prior to it being poured on top of the 12 super tee beams (so named because of their distinct T shape). 
The concrete deck of the rail bridge cures after being poured in mid-March. 
Construction of new pavement is underway on the southern ramp. 
New pavement is under construction on the northbound SH2 onramp. 
One Continuous Flight Auger rig has demobilised and been removed from site while the other has relocated just south of the Bayfair roundabout to install the last of the lattice pile ground improvements for the flyover bridge.
- February 2021
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We worked alongside KiwiRail and Tauranga Airport in the lead up to the bridge beam installation to ensure that the required crane lifts didn’t impact on the train schedule or airspace. 
A 52m high crane lifts a beam into place for the rail bridge. The work was completed over three nights, during which time the crane was relocated from one side of the bridge to the other to complete the job. 
Once completed and opened to traffic, the new bridge will carry motorists over the railway line, eliminating the need to cross it at grade and improving safety for road users. 
The abutments for the new bridge are protected by rail impact walls. Constructed between the abutments and the railway line, these walls are designed to ensure the bridge does not collapse should a train derail. 
The rail bridge features 12 beams, each weighing 55T and 29m long. 
The overlapping formation of the lattice piles can be seen in the foreground, with two Continuous Flight Auger rigs in the background which are installing ground improvements in the middle of, and near, the Bayfair roundabout. 
A second bridge will be constructed over SH2 which, alongside the rail bridge, will form the new SH2 interchange. 
The southern ramp, leading from the new southern roundabout to the rail bridge, is readied for permanent pavement to be laid.
- January 2021
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Two Continuous Flight Auger rigs install lattice pile ground improvements near the Bayfair roundabout to support the weight of the flyover bridge. In the foreground, the northbound lanes on State Highway 2 split around a central workzone while permanent pavement is under construction. 
Aerial photography of the Bay Link site is gathered on a monthly basis and is used both for surveying purposes and to illustrate the scale, and progress, of the project. The site extends 1.7km alongside existing businesses, residents and large-scale events venues. 
At the conclusion of the Bay Link project, the area in the middle of State Highway 2 immediately south of the Bayfair roundabout will feature an embankment leading to the Bayfair flyover bridge. Ground improvements need to be installed to support the weight of the flyover. Here two rigs are underway installing the lattice pile ground improvements in, and north of, the Bayfair roundabout. 
The southern roundabout, located next to State Highway 29A, has been constructed as part of Bay Link and once operational, will be used by traffic heading to and from the SH2 interchange bridge. 
The Bay Link project will feature three bridges, with this bridge (which will span the railway line near the Te Maunga intersection) being constructed first. Here a concrete pour is underway on the bridge’s eastern abutment. 
The SH2 interchange bridge will remove the need for motorists to cross the railway line at grade, improving safety of this intersection.
