Tauriko SH29 Cambridge Road upgrade: January lane closure, detours and new speed limits

An aerial view of Cambridge Rd. 

A section of Cambridge Rd in Tauranga will be closed for close to a month next year.

The northbound lane on Cambridge Rd, from the SH29 intersection to 579 Cambridge Rd, will close from Saturday, January 3 until early February, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said in a statement.

In a “concentrated effort” to complete as much work as possible, roading contractors will carry out an intensive programme of works to progress the SH29/Cambridge Rd intersection upgrade in what is being labelled a significant milestone for the Tauriko Enabling Works project.

Darryl Coalter, NZTA infrastructure delivery acting regional manager, said the ambitious approach would include removing temporary sheet piles, earthworks, relocating utilities, road construction and resurfacing.

“To do this safely, we’ll need to close a short section of the northbound lane on Cambridge Rd.”

Coalter said all Bethlehem-bound vehicles would need to detour via SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Rd or SH29A and Cameron Rd.

The southbound lane will remain open.

“We appreciate this will cause some disruption, so we’re committed to working extended hours to minimise the overall impact. This short-term inconvenience will mean less disruptions in the future.”

Work will take place seven days a week, with some extended shifts (7am to 12am) and night works (6pm to 5am).

The intersection upgrade began in late 2024 with construction of a 210-metre retaining wall, supported by temporary sheet piles.

The first stage of sheet pile removal is already under way behind safety barriers with no traffic impact.

In early January, removal will continue in the narrower section of Cambridge Road, requiring the lane closure.

Once the January works were completed, the team would focus on road widening and pavement construction.

The full upgrade is expected to be completed in 2027.

What you need to know:

Cambridge Road northbound lane 24/7 closure from Saturday 3 January, and reopens early February, before the school year starts.

Northbound detour: Bethlehem-bound traffic via SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road (adds 15 mins, toll applies) or SH29A/Cameron Road (adds 22 mins, free route).

Cambridge Road southbound lane: Remains open.

Cambridge Road right-turn bay closure: Cambridge Road to SH29 – Kaimai Range/Hamilton-bound traffic must turn left onto SH29, then use SH29/SH36 roundabout to change direction.

Temporary speed limits: 60km/h on SH29 approaches; 30km/h on Cambridge Road near the work site.

Resident access: Via detours; vehicles exiting driveways within the closure must turn left onto SH29 and follow the detour.