Traffic will be able to turn off State Highway 29 into Cambridge Rd again from Thursday.
Sheet piling works for the Tauriko Enabling Works project are ahead of schedule at the SH29/Cambridge Rd intersection, which means the lane closure will be lifted overnight - four days ahead of schedule, NZ Transport Agency said today.
The remaining sheet piling and retailing wall works will start behind the barrier and both lanes will be open for traffic.
Acting regional manager of infrastructure delivery Waikato/Bay of Plenty Darryl Coalter said safety works at the intersection had started well, despite the area being challenging and narrow to work in.
“Everything aligned. Great weather, good ground conditions, no machinery breakdowns and the opportunity for the crew to work extended hours enabled this tricky stage of the job to be completed four days ahead of schedule.
“Scheduling this work in January while schools are out, and traffic volumes are lower, helped minimise overall disruption to the travelling public.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their patience while this work was completed, especially residents, businesses and project neighbours,” Coalter said.
Tauranga City Bethlehem Ward councillor Kevin Schuler said completing the work ahead of schedule was a fantastic result.
“This is a great start to works at the SH29 and Cambridge Rd intersection, and an excellent outcome for businesses and for local residents we know use this route often.”
The temporary sheet piles were almost fully in place on this section of Cambridge Rd and work could begin on the permanent retaining wall soon, Coalter said.
“Building a retaining wall in this location is complex due to the surrounding geography, traffic volumes on Cambridge Rd, and constructing a 210m-long concrete wall with a steep gully on one side.”
Coalter said this was further complicated by multiple underground services that also needed to be installed including power, water and fibre.
“The retaining wall is a key step allowing us to widen the road, accommodating increased traffic and a shared path, and is scheduled for completion in late 2025,” Coalter said.
“Once the retaining wall is completed, there will be a lane shift on Cambridge Rd allowing intersection and drainage works to begin on the other side of Cambridge Rd.”