Asbestos found on the construction site of the Maungatapu underpass project in Tauranga will be removed by specialist contractors in the New Year.
The asbestos was found in a buried, demolished building that was uncovered while contractors were carrying out earthworks near the old Baden Powell Centre.
New Zealand Transport Agency Bay of Plenty project manager John McCarthy said the team were currently working through the consents process to gain permission to remove the asbestos and expected the work to be carried out in early 2016.
He said the community would be kept up-to-date on when and how the asbestos would be removed.
In the meantime, the area is secure in line with all health and safety, environmental, legal and regulatory guidelines and there was no immediate health risk to staff or the community, Mr McCarthy said.
"The site will remain fenced off over Christmas and we will have regular patrols to ensure everything is secure. The public should not enter the fenced off area.
"We are focused on keeping the community informed as they work to find the best solution and will update when more information is available."
Mr McCarthy said work on the Maungatapu underpass was progressing well despite the asbestos find, and the project remained on schedule for a 2018 finish.
"Our contractors have built a ramp over the top of the area affected by asbestos to gain access to the creek so they can start work on the Kaitemako stream diversion after Christmas," Mr McCarthy says.
"We have also started drilling and pouring the concrete piles, which will support the bridges and the sides of the underpass."

The site where asbestos was found in November. Photo/George Novak
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