SH29 Tauriko traffic switch: Drivers warned of lane changes from April 17

An aerial view of SH29 Tauriko. Photo / NZTA

Overnight construction has begun in Tauriko Village to prepare for a major traffic switch on State Highway 29.

Traffic is due to move onto newly built northern lanes between 815 SH29 and Cambridge Road from 6am this Friday, weather permitting.

If conditions are unsuitable, works will be rescheduled to the next available overnight window, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said.

Infrastructure delivery regional manager Adrian Jones said the traffic switch marks a major milestone for the project.

“This change allows construction to begin on the southern side of the highway and represents a significant step forward,” Jones said.

“Over the past 18 months, crews have completed extensive work on the northern side of SH29 through the village.”

That work includes opening a new carpark for Tauriko School and Tauriko Playcentre, constructing a new road and intersection at SH29/Te Ara Hoia Drive, installing underground services and utility ducts, and upgrading watermain and stormwater infrastructure.

Retaining and noise walls have also been completed, along with two new traffic lanes.

Jones said while the new lanes will ultimately carry Tauranga‑bound traffic, they will initially operate as one lane in each direction while two new Hamilton‑bound lanes are constructed on the southern side.

“Once complete, this section of SH29 will be four‑laned, helping improve traffic flow while making the road wider and safer for road users and the surrounding community.”

The work has been deliberately timed to coincide with the school holiday period, when traffic volumes are lower, allowing the area time to adjust before schools reopen.

During the traffic switch, road users can expect:

– Stop/go traffic management through Tauriko Village and at the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection

– A temporary reduced speed limit of 30km/h during overnight works

Once traffic is on the new alignment:

– A reduced speed limit of 60km/h will apply

– Safety barriers will remain in place until the end of the year

– Access to homes and businesses will be maintained at all times via a temporary access road

NZTA said nearby residents may notice increased overnight noise and vibration from heavy machinery, with efforts made to minimise disruption.

The next phase of work will include pavement construction, service investigations, watermain upgrades, and the installation of traffic islands, street lighting and traffic signals.

Elsewhere on the project, work continues on the bus link, footpaths and watermain upgrades along Whiore Avenue, as well as stormwater upgrades between Cambridge Road and the SH29/State Highway 36 roundabout, NZTA said.

The full project is expected to be completed in 2027.