Significant changes ahead for SH2/SH29A Te Maunga intersection junction

Layout of the new temporary signalised intersection at Te Maunga junction of SH2 and SH29A. Graphic/NZTA

A new temporary signalised intersection at the Te Maunga junction of State Highway 2 and State Highway 29A is scheduled to be operational on Sunday.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency's Portfolio Delivery Manager Darryl Coalter said the signalised intersection will provide construction space to enable the retaining walls for the new Te Maunga interchange bridge to be built.

It's one of the key elements of the Bay Link project, Coalter said.

"Converting the existing Te Maunga roundabout to a signalised intersection provides the team with more space to undertake the extensive work required to build up the walls supporting the new interchange bridge."

The temporary intersection layout is a signalised T-intersection and includes a pedestrian crossing across SH2.

Some initial delays are expected once the signals were activated, as people adjusted to the new layout, Coalter said.

"We're introducing the temporary signalised intersection during the school holidays when we typically experience lower traffic volumes," he said.

"However, we do recommend motorists allow extra time for their journeys, especially during morning and evening peak times."

Traffic flow will be monitored for about six weeks after the introduction of the new intersection layout and phasing of traffic signals will be adjusted where required.

"We acknowledge this is a significant change for road users, however, it's positive to see the progress being made at the southern end of the project," he said.

Coalter also said motorists may have recently seen some other key developments such as the mechanically stabilised walls rising out of the ground and construction of a new roundabout near Baypark, now visible from State Highway 29A.

Signage will advise road users of the new layout and temporary speed limits.

A step-down speed limit (from 100km/h to 70km/h and then to 50km/h) will apply on the northbound approach to the Te Maunga intersection from the Tauranga Eastern Link.

The 50km/h temporary speed limit will also apply through the new intersection.

The rail level crossing on SH29A will continue to operate with the traffic signals.

Marked yellow zones already warn motorists not to queue over the railway lines, and emergency escape bays are being added between the railway lines and the traffic signals.

Coalter said these bays would provide an emergency space for any vehicle needing to clear the yellow zone when a train is approaching.

Waka Kotahi urges all road users to take extra care while adjusting to the new layout.

The temporary signalised intersection will be in place while work on the new SH2/SH29A interchange bridge at Te Maunga is underway.

Works to install the intersection are weather dependent and the opening may be delayed in the event of unsuitable weather or other unforeseen circumstances.