Citybound commuters from beach suburbs to use Maungatapu underpass in planned traffic trial

The Maungatapu underpass opened last month. Photo/John Borren

Citybound morning commuters from the beach suburbs and Maungatapu will be diverted through the new Maungatapu underpass to Turret Rd from next Thursday as part of a 10-day trial.

The NZ Transport Agency and Tauranga City Council will trial closing the straight through option from SH29A and Maungatapu Rd across the Maungatapu roundabout to see if it will improve the flow on the highway.

The redirection will be in place on weekdays from 6am to 10am.

The diversion will be in place from 6am to 10am. Map supplied/NZTA

Traffic from SH29A Te Maunga/Baypark wanting to access Maungatapu Road will have to use the Taipari St off-ramp (after the Maungatapu bridge).

Agency project manager John McCarthy said that during peak morning traffic using the Maungatapu and Hairini roundabouts to access Turret Road were causing queues in both directions on the state highway.

"Our traffic analysis suggests that changing the route for city-bound traffic in the morning peak coming from SH29A Te Maunga/Baypark should result in a more efficient journey for all. However, before we make any permanent decisions we need to trial this," he said.

He said the council and agency would be monitoring traffic times and traffic counts during the trial.

"With any changes to the network, it often takes time for drivers to understand that a new route may be a more efficient option. A good example of this is Ohauiti traffic travelling home through the underpass and turning right up to Ohauiti Road."

Drivers using the roundabout from Tauriko direction will continue as usual.

How to access Turret Rd

SH29A Te Maunga to city via Turret Road

Remain on SH29A (a left turn at the Maungatapu roundabout) then turn left at the Hairini roundabout onto Welcome Bay Road, then left onto Welcome Bay Link Road to travel through the underpass.

SH29A Te Maunga to Maungatapu Road

Traffic from SH29A Te Maunga wanting to access Maungatapu Road will have to use the Taipari Street off-ramp.

Maungatapu Road to city via Turret Road

Access SH29A, turn left at the Hairini roundabout onto Welcome Bay Road, then left onto Welcome Bay Link Road to travel through the underpass.

City-bound traffic from Ohauiti Road
SH29A from Tauriko and Ohauiti Road traffic can still use the Turret Road on-ramp at the Maungatapu roundabout.