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Project team moving forwards


November 2017

We’re pleased to confirm the specimen design phase of the Tauranga Northern Link (TNL) is almost complete and we have submitted the information required for resource consents that are needed for construction.

Over the last nine months the project team, including consultants Bloxam Burnett and Olliver (BBO), have undertaken investigations and prepared designs to ensure that the new road can be built within the designated footprint. At the same time, the team has also gathered the information needed to support the resource consents process.

This is great progress for the project, keeping it on track for the construction phase.

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A pre-load trial is taking place on the flat land between Wairoa Road and Wairoa River.  This is part of the design process and helps us learn how the ground in the area behaves.  Pre-loading is a process of stabilising the ground layer-by-layer to ensure a stable platform for construction, as Image
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Trial embankment being created

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Trial embankment in place

A pre-load trial is taking place on the flat land between Wairoa Road and Wairoa River.  This is part of the design process and helps us learn how the ground in the area behaves.

Pre-loading is a process of stabilising the ground layer-by-layer to ensure a stable platform for construction, as well as a relatively flat and even road surface. Building a road requires a firm base and adding layers of fill (dirt) over a period of time compresses the soil underneath, reducing the risk of sinking in the future.

This trial uses fill to build an embankment, and includes the installation of erosion and sediment controls. Bulldozers compact the fill and cover it with hay mulch to stabilise the embankment faces and lower the risk of dust.

The 12 month embankment trial will be inspected and monitored regularly looking at the amount and rate of compression of the ground.  Once the trial has finished, the embankment will be removed.

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15th Avenue Connection

The specimen design includes a one lane link connecting southbound traffic from 15th Avenue to Takitimu Drive Toll Road.  This additional connection will reduce the pressure on Elizabeth Street, improving the overall network for the City. 

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Resource Consents process

In September the main resource consents for the project were lodged with Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

The resource consents will specify the conditions under which the TNL must be built and will authorise things like construction of the bridge over the Wairoa River, earthworks and stormwater discharge.

The resource consent applications are supported by ecological, archaeological and hydrological assessments, and dust management, erosion and sediment control plans.

Council will notify the public of the resource consent applications and they will be open for submissions.  If submissions are received, a hearing may be held later this year. Decisions on the consents are due by early 2018.

The overall existing designation for the highway, and the conditions applying to it, were established in 2001 and remain unchanged. There will be minor alterations to the designation but this isn't affected by the resource consents process.

If you are interested you can read the application summary here.

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Where to next

The project is currently on track to issue the Design and Construct contract in 2018.

More information and frequently asked questions can be found on the website

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More information

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For more information on the Tauranga Northern Link project, contact us at TaurangaNorthernLink@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/tnl

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