Night works to shift traffic onto a new layout on State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko Village will begin on Sunday 9 August for 3 nights.

The works form part of the SH29 Tauriko Enabling Works project and will move Hamilton‑bound traffic onto newly constructed lanes between the SH29/State Highway 36 (SH36) roundabout and the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection. 

Tauranga‑bound traffic will remain on the existing road with pavement construction starting down the centre of the state highway. 

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Adrian Jones, says the traffic switch is an important step in progressing the 4‑laning of this section of SH29. 

“The team has worked hard to prepare the new Hamilton‑bound lanes, and this switch brings us closer to the completed layout.

“Once finished in mid‑2027, this section of SH29 will feature 2 lanes in each direction, along with a dedicated right‑turn bay into Cambridge Road,” says Mr Jones.

What road users can expect:

Night works from 6pm to 6am for 3 nights starting Sunday 9 August until Tuesday 11 August.

A 3‑way stop/go operation at the Cambridge Road/SH29 intersection and a temporary 30km/h speed limit on approaches to the work area. These measures are needed to safely install temporary barriers and complete line marking.

From 6am Monday 10 August, traffic lanes will be shifted into their new positions using barriers and cones. Additional barriers will be installed over the following nights and will remain in place for approximately 6 weeks. 

All traffic movements through the Cambridge Road/SH29 intersection will be maintained throughout the works.

"At the same time as these works, the team will work to reduce a section of the traffic island on the downhill approach to the SH29/SH36 roundabout to allow for upcoming drainage works adjacent to the Tauranga-bound SH29 lane. This will require a lane deviation and reduced speed limit of 30km/h.

"Some of these construction activities are weather dependent and if delayed by weather or unforeseen circumstances, will be carried out on the next suitable shift," says Mr Jones.

Elsewhere on the project, work is progressing on the bus link, footpaths, and watermain upgrades on Whiore Avenue, as well as stormwater improvements between Cambridge Road and the SH29/SH36 roundabout.

The full Tauriko Enabling Works project, delivered with Tauranga City Council, is expected to be completed in mid-2027. 

NZTA thanks road users and the Tauriko community for their patience as these important upgrades continue.