New temporary signalised intersection to replace Te Maunga roundabout

There will soon be significant changes to the road layout where State Highways 2 (SH2) and 29A (SH29A) intersect.

The existing Te Maunga roundabout will be removed and replaced by a temporary intersection and pedestrian crossing controlled by traffic signals.

The signalised intersection is being introduced to provide space for construction of adjacent Mechanically Stabilised Earth (MSE) walls beside live traffic as it occupies less road width than a roundabout. The walls in this area will support the ramps to the interchange bridge over SH2.

Once the signals are activated, some initial delays are anticipated as people adjust to the new layout. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when travelling, especially during morning and evening peak times.

A step-down speed limit (from 100km/h to 70km/h and then to 50km/h) will apply on the approaching northbound lanes of the Tauranga Eastern Link. The 50km/h temporary speed limit will also apply through the new intersection. Please drive with caution through the project site and follow all directions and temporary speed limits.

The railway crossing will continue to operate with the traffic signals. Marked yellow zones already warn motorists on SH29A not to queue over the railway lines. Emergency escape bays are being added between the railway lines and the traffic signals. These bays will provide emergency space for any vehicle needing to clear the yellow zone when rail signals alert that a train is approaching.

The temporary signalised intersection will be in place while work on the new Te Maunga interchange is underway.

The following map provides an indication of the layout of the new temporary signalised intersection. 

Road closures during construction of temporary signalised intersection

Road closures will be in place while the temporary signalised intersection at Te Maunga is being constructed.

SH29A between the Te Maunga and Baypark roundabouts is currently scheduled to be closed as follows:

• From 8pm until 5am, Monday 21 September until Thursday 24 September 2020 (nights only, finishing Friday morning)
• From 8pm Friday 25 September until 9am Sunday 27 September 2020 (one day, two nights)

As shown below, detours will be in place along Truman Lane, Mangatawa Link Road and Sandhurst Drive/Mangatawa Interchange.

If you are travelling at these times please drive with caution through the project site, reduce your speed and follow directions provided on traffic management signage. Where possible, please use alternative routes or plan your travel around these road closures.

In the event of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, the closures may be moved to the next suitable night(s).

Significant changes on Bay Link

We have progressed some important elements of the project recently:

Bayfair (northern end):

• A temporary signalised crossing is operational on SH2, enabling pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road in a single movement. This will be in place while work on the new Bayfair roundabout, underpass and flyover is underway. The existing underpass is being deconstructed, clearing the way for construction of a new underpass.
• A three-metre wide shared footpath has been poured on the southern side of Girven Road and temporary traffic management in this area reduced.

Baypark / Te Maunga (southern end):

• MSE walls are being built across the southern end of the project, including one on the Eversham Road side of SH2 near the Te Maunga roundabout. The wall under construction in this area uses a new technique involving galvanised steel baskets held in place with a sand/cement mix and diagonal steel bracing. Final layers of sandbags have been added.
• Fascia support beams have been installed in the MSE wall on the western side of SH2, north of the Te Maunga roundabout. Concrete fascia support beams will be fitted with fascia panels, many of which will feature a culturally designed relief pattern.
• The underground pile wall, next to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is complete. It will provide a barrier between the church’s foundations and the adjacent embankment.
• A rig is onsite completing stone column ground improvements at the project’s southern end before commencing at the northern end near the Bayfair roundabout.
• Streetlights have been fitted around the new southern roundabout, which can be seen from SH29A. This is likely to remain closed to traffic until the bridges across the railway line and SH2 are complete.
• Two new stormwater lines have been installed across SH29A, providing an outlet for the now-completed southern wetland.
• The southern wetland (pictured below) is being planted. This large wetland, located near the railway lines between SH2 and SH29A, is designed to hold water in the event of heavy rain or flooding.

Looking ahead

As detailed above, the existing Te Maunga roundabout will soon be removed and replaced with a temporary signalised intersection. Also in coming months:

• The future SH2/29A intersection fill embankments will start to come out of the ground as the surrounding MSE walls progress.
• Preparation will begin north of the Bayfair roundabout for the commencement of lattice ground improvements that will support the bridge.
• Once asphalting is complete in the middle of SH2 between Concord Avenue and Bayfair Shopping Centre’s Countdown entrance, the work zone will be moved further west and the northbound traffic lanes split either side. This temporary traffic configuration will enable the final section of pavement in this area of SH2 to be completed.

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