SH2 safer speeds

Safer speed limits for SH2 Katikati to Tauranga

Decision on speed review

Last year we invited feedback in our formal consultation process for the speed review on State Highway 2, between Katikati and Bethlehem, Tauranga.

We have considered all 576 submissions received during consultation and appreciate the time those of you spent providing your feedback. Your insights, and the insights received by the local community and road users, provided us valuable information to ensure speeds are safe and appropriate for the state highway and everyone who uses it.

Together, with the information gathered through consultation and our technical review process, our decision on the speed limit changes is to implement the proposed speeds, taking effect from Friday 11 December 2020.

Closer to this date we will communicate these changes more widely, so people are aware that new speed limits are coming.

The new permanent speed limits can be viewed on this map.

More information

Further information on this speed review, including a table of the new speed limits, frequently asked questions, the submissions made and our consultation summary report, is available on the SH2 Katikati to Tauranga speed review page.

To find out more about our speed management programme, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/speed-management

Takitimu North Link

Geotech assessments and tender underway for Takitimu North Link

Geotechnical assessments started yesterday in preparation for one of the Bay of Plenty’s most significant roading projects – Stage One of the Takitimu North Link between Tauranga and Te Puna.

The geotechnical assessment at Fifteenth Ave involves installing nails in the slope and then measuring the force required to pull them out. This will determine how sensitive the soil is to disturbance informing the design of the connection to SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road.

Geotechnical testing is part of the pre-implementation phase of the project for Stage One of the new expressway. The assessments look at the ground conditions and consider the natural environment, including being in a coastal environment.

The Takitimu North Link project is a new 14km four-lane expressway connecting Tauranga and Ōmokoroa, with provision for public transport, and a shared path for walking and cycling. The tender process for the design component of stage one is underway with the contract due to be awarded in March 2021, subject to property negotiations.

There is a considerable amount of land required for the two stages of the project before construction can get underway. This is a complex and sensitive process and over the next 12 months we will be having conversations and negotiations with landowners.

The designation and consenting requirements for Stage Two Te Puna to Ōmokoroa still need to be completed.

* Engineering contractors Bloxam Burnett and Oliver (BBO) will be carrying out the soil nail testing work at Fifteenth Ave, which started on 16 November 2020, it is expected to be completed in three weeks. We do not expect this work to be disruptive.

Waihī to Ōmokoroa project milestone

The SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa safety project reached a milestone this month with completion of improvements in the section between Wharawhara Road and Sharp Road, south of Katikati (Section 7).

Some areas in this section will undergo full width resurfacing before the end of this year as part of the annual highway maintenance programme.

Road widening is currently underway in the Athenree Gorge. Once this is complete, we can install barriers, new road marking and signage to complete the two sections between Trig Road to Athenree Gorge (Sections 2 and 3). This will bring the total number of sections completed to four with six remaining.

A community open day is planned in February 2021 which marks the halfway point of the project, The event will provide an opportunity to find out what it takes to produce a complex project of this scale with displays by survey, geotechnical, construction, utilities and other partners.

To find out more about the project, head to nzta.govt.nz/w2o for more details.

Western Bay of Plenty state highway resurfacing

Resurfacing works across the Western Bay of Plenty will start on SH2 between Waihi and Bethlehem this week.

The works are part of the Waka Kotahi annual road maintenance programme, which will see repairs and reseals undertaken to ensure the safety and resilience of the state highway network.

Bay of Plenty System Manager Rob Campbell says resurfacing is required to maintain adequate skid resistance and waterproofing qualities for the roads.

“It is vital that road users adhere to the temporary lower speed limits through the work sites and, and for three days after the sealing while the chip is bedding in, to prevent damage to the newly sealed surface.” Mr Campbell says.

“Road sealing works must be undertaken in summer, as the warm temperatures and dry air helps the seal stick properly to the existing road surface.”

Works will also take place on SH36 in the Pyes Pa area, SH2 near Pukehina and SH33 between Paengaroa and Ōkere Falls in November and December.

The programme is planned so disruption to road users is minimised. Night works, avoiding peak times and local events, such as Christmas parades, are taken into consideration.

“However, these works will cause delays and motorists should allow more time for their journeys, reduce their speed and follow directions of traffic management staff and signage.”

In the event of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, work will be postponed.

Visit the interactive Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website journeys.nzta.govt.nz for the latest information on roadworks, traffic, road closures and detours to help plan your trip.

Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience.

More information

For more information on the SH2 Waihī to Tauranga Corridor projects, contact us at bopprojects@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our websites

SH2 Waihī to Tauranga corridor

SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa safety improvements

SH2 Katikati to Tauranga speed review

Takitimu North Link