Bay Link working group established

We have set up a working group, made up of partners, stakeholders and community representatives, to establish better communication and greater visibility on the Bay Link project.

The first in a series of workshops with the working group was held on 14 November and covered the traffic performance modelling beyond 2040 and the long-list options investigated for grade-separated pedestrian and cycling access at Bayfair.

Technical detail was provided to the group on the 15 options investigated. Two of these options were supplied by members of the community. The Transport Agency is  investigating two of the 15 options; the feasibility of extending the existing underpass (option 5) and an overpass north of Concord Avenue (option 14), in order to make a decision about whether to progress to detailed design.

Further workshops will be held on the detailed design for the Bayfair roundabout; and how public transport will be incorporated into the Bay Link project. The existing underpass will remain open during December and is currently scheduled to close early next year - even if the option to retain an underpass progresses.

Dotterels return to Bay Link site to nest

With the arrival of summer, we have been continuing to work with local hapū and the Department of Conservation in an effort to deter dotterels, one of New Zealand’s rarest and at-risk birds, from nesting in the Bay Link construction site.

However, the construction site has once again proven popular, with three pairs of northern New Zealand dotterels, tūturiwhatu, making themselves at home to hatch their five eggs.

Their nesting areas have been fenced off and cultural monitors are in place to ensure the kaitiakitanga (guardianship and protection) of the birds within the construction site.

Three pairs of northern New Zealand dotterels, tūturiwhatu, have chosen the Bay Link site to nest.

Finishing touches to SH2 Maunganui Road, near Bayfair

Finishing touches, including new footpath and driveways, have recently been completed along Maunganui Road between Concord Avenue and Bayfair’s new entrance. The project work zone has since shifted to the middle of SH2 Maunganui Road and the east-bound traffic lanes split to accommodate this relocation. The new entrance to Bayfair has re-opened.

Traffic management in place for Bay Dreams event

As part of Bay Dreams, there will be extensive traffic management on Thursday 2 January 2020 around Baypark Arena. Traffic control measures will be in place at the Te Maunga roundabout to ensure safe and managed pedestrian access to the event. Temporary road and lane closures will be in place on SH2 between Bayfair and Sandhurst Drive.

Approximately 30,000 people are expected to the main event, which starts to 11am and finishes at 10.30pm. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes where possible or plan to travel outside of these hours to avoid the delays and detours. You can keep up to date with www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz

New signalised Bayfair roundabout design being developed

When the Bay Link project is complete, the new Bayfair roundabout will provide a safe signalised crossing for pedestrians and cyclists through the roundabout.

There will be reduced volumes of traffic (especially trucks) using the roundabout once the flyover is complete, with more than 50 percent of the current traffic expected to use the new SH2 flyover.

We are still developing the final design of the signalised roundabout and are currently working with Tauranga City Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to look at options for pedestrian, cycle and bus prioritisation through the Bayfair roundabout.

We are engaging with stakeholders and the community throughout this process and aim to present a preferred option next year.

Below is an artist’s impression of the SH2 Bayfair flyover and roundabout.

More information

For more information on the Baypark to Bayfair Link upgrade project, contact us baylink@nzta.govt.nz

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