Tauranga City Council has welcomed the government’s announcement that proposed plans for major transport upgrades in Tauriko West have received the green light to move forward.

During a visit to Tauranga this week, Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced that the NZTA Waka Kotahi board has endorsed the Tauriko West Road of National Significance investment case so it can proceed to the next stage.

The project includes replacing Ōmanawa Bridge, construction of a new four-lane SH29 and the widening of existing SH29A, along with seven intersection upgrades, including three new interchanges and two overbridges.

Speaking at the Minister’s announcement, Tauriko Ward Councillor Marten Rozeboom said the endorsement of the investment case is a positive move for the city and region.

“These upgrades are exactly what our region needs to support economic growth and housing development in Tauranga and the western Bay of Plenty,” he said.

“Improvements to this roading corridor will help relieve congestion on the main route to and from New Zealand’s largest port, and improve access to the Tauriko Business Estate, which is experiencing commercial, industrial and employment growth.

“Today’s announcement gives council and the private sector confidence to continue to invest in core infrastructure and accelerate housing and business development, which in turn will help to address Tauranga’s acute housing shortage and affordability issues.”

The Tauriko West project will integrate with the Tauriko Enabling Works which are currently underway to improve safety at intersections of SH29 with Redwood Lane, Belk Road and Cambridge Road, and enable the development of the first 2400 homes in Tauriko West.

While in Tauranga, Minister Bishop also visited the Pāpāmoa East Interchange site to show his support for the early opening of the eastbound off-ramp.

The off-ramp is expected to open in the second half of 2025, with the overall project due to be completed in 2026.

Once complete, the interchange will alleviate pressure on existing routes and shorten travel time towards Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and destinations in the east, as well as enabling further development in Pāpāmoa East, including the Golden Sands and Wairākei neighbourhoods and The Sands town centre.