CPB wins final stage of Baypark to Bayfair upgrade project from NZTA

TINNews |

TIN news: The New Zealand Transport Agency has contracted CPB Contractors to carry out the final stage of Tauranga’s NZ$120m ($84.1m) Baypark to Bayfair Link Upgrade project.

The project is expected to ease traffic congestion in the region and improve the safety of the motorists by separating local and state highway traffic, as well as support economic growth in the region by improving the route to the Port of Tauranga.

The Baypark to Bayfair Link Upgrade would establish a new connectivity to the Tauranga Eastern Link, completing the Eastern Corridor for the Bay of Plenty.

Transport Agency Bay of Plenty Highways manager Niclas Johansson said: “The design and construct team will now begin developing the final design, and we can expect to see site offices established and relocation of existing services to begin relatively soon, with major earthworks commencing later in the year when weather conditions typically improve.”

"Stage one, which involved enabling works, major earthworks, and the relocation of the East Coast Main Trunk Line railway line, was completed in December 2016."

As per the deal, CPB contractors will be responsible for the construction of two flyovers, where one flyover will be designed to take State Highway (SH) 29A traffic over the railway line and the Te Maunga intersection, while the other will take SH 2 traffic up and over the Maunganui-Girven roundabout.

The first stage of the project was started in December 2015, while the construction of these flyovers will begin next month.

Johansson further noted: “Stage one, which involved enabling works, major earthworks, and the relocation of the East Coast Main Trunk Line railway line, was completed in December 2016.

“All going to plan we expect to have traffic using the new flyovers by 2020. Once it is finished it will make a real difference to commuters.”

The project works will also see an upgrade of the existing Maunganui-Girven Road intersection, as well as replacement of the Te Maunga roundabout with an elevated interchange and improving cycling connections between Baypark and Bayfair, which is currently being reviewed the final design phase.