Construction of the new city-bound SH2/SH29A on-ramp is underway (above). Mechanically Stabilised Earth (or retaining) wall is being constructed using lightweight pumice-fill to reduce ground settlement. After the settlement period, concrete facing panels will then be attached.

What happened in November

Last month, work continued around the Bayfair roundabout and along State Highways 2 and 29A, near Baypark.

This work included:

• Asphalting new lanes on the corner of SH2 and Matapihi Road, and completing the new city-bound off-ramp.
• Installation of a temporary footpath and residential vehicle access along Maunganui Road.
• Service relocation works continued, with gas and water completed near SH29A.
• Placing fill for the new SH29A rail overpass embankment and installation of Mechanically Stabilised Earth (MSE) walls (similar to retaining walls) for the new SH29A bridges.
• Ground improvements continued for the new Baypark city-bound on-ramp and rail overpass.
• Changes to the road layout at Te Maunga intersection to allow earthworks and ground improvements to continue for the SH2/SH29A city-bound off-ramp.

The works around Harris Street and Bayfair Shopping Centre are part of the Bayfair expansion and not related to this project.

Stone column ground works continue near Baypark and will involve weekend closures of SH29A, between the Te Maunga and Baypark roundabouts. Detours will be in place along Truman Lane and Mangatawa Link Road from 9pm Friday 14 December to 4am Monday 17 December 2018 (weather dependent).

What to expect during December

During December, the focus will continue around the Bayfair roundabout and State Highways 2 and 29A as we continue construction of the new city-bound and Papamoa-bound lanes.

You can expect:

• Water main relocation along Matapihi Road and Owens Place will be completed, prior to the road widening on the southern side of Matapihi Road in early 2019.
• The new city-bound lanes north of the Bayfair roundabout will be asphalted, and work will begin in the northern corner of Matapihi Road and SH2 to complete the new city-bound on-ramp.
• Construction of the SH2/SH29A city-bound on-ramp and rail overpass embankment fill will continue with stone column ground improvement work.
• Earthworks continue for the SH29A/SH2 city-bound off-ramp in preparation for road construction.
• Continuation of the sewer diversion near SH29A and completion of the water main diversion along Matapihi Road.
• Stone columns will continue near SH29A, with installation to start near the Bayfair roundabout in early January.
• The detailed design process for the new pedestrian/cycle underpass will begin.

For the safety of drivers and their passengers, and also for the people working on the project, please take care driving through the site and keep to the temporary speed limits.

To make it easier for vehicles exiting Matapihi Road, changes to the temporary traffic management at the Bayfair roundabout will take place from 7 December.

Bayfair roundabout changes

From Friday, 7 December you will notice changes to the temporary traffic management at the Bayfair roundabout. The current road layout has presented some challenges for vehicles exiting Matapihi Road.

As such, we are planning to:

• Enlarge the Bayfair roundabout
• Move the lane limit line back and change the approach angle to slow down city-bound vehicles entering the roundabout
• Speed limit reduced to 30km/h on the roundabout.

These improvements are intended to help improve visibility and increase reaction times.

Detours will be in place along Truman Lane and Mangatawa Link Road from 9pm Friday, 14 December to 4am Monday, 17 December 2018.

SH29A closures - detours in place

SH29A between the Baypark and Te Maunga roundabouts will be closed from 9pm Friday, 14 December to 4am Monday, 17 December 2018 for stone column ground improvement works to be carried out.

Detours will be in place along Truman Lane and Mangatawa Link Road. Traffic delays are expected.

Motorists are urged to use alternative routes where possible or plan travel outside of these hours to avoid the detour. This work is weather dependent, and if delayed will be carried out on the next suitable weekend.

We have worked closely with the team at ASB Baypark Arena to determine the most suitable weekend for the closure.

The Home Zone entrance off Matapihi Road has returned to being a vehicle entry / exit and the 30km/h speed limit on Matapihi Road remains in place. Please watch for cyclists and pedestrians.

Please take care

Please take care when travelling through site and keep to the 50km/h temporary speed limit on SH2, and 30km/h on Matapihi Road and Owens Place.

The road lane widths have been narrowed which means there is less time to react to other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. With construction underway there are truck and project vehicles accessing the site, for your safety and the safety of others we ask that you slow down and consider the conditions when travelling through the project area.

The construction site will be closed from Friday 21 December 2018 until Monday 7 January 2019. From all of us, thank you for your patience during 2018 as the Bay Link project has progressed, and have a safe and relaxing festive period.

Contact us

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