After four years of construction, work on the Takitimu North Link has progressed from earthworks to pavement works as the project enters its next stage.

Stage 1 of the Takitimu North Link project made “strong progress, with all major structures, earthworks, and environmental works well advanced”, NZ Transport Agency said in a statement.

The project focus now shifts to pavement construction and associated drainage and stormwater treatments.

Some highlights include:

-Over 3.1 million hours worked since project start

-2.5 million m³ of earth moved (of 3 million m³ total)

-8.84 km of piling complete (100%)

-212,000 plants in the ground so far (of more than 900,000 planned)

-18 of 19 major culverts completed

-90% of utility work complete

-203 bridge beams installed

NZTA Waikato and Bay of Plenty infrastructure delivery manager Adrian Jones said the momentum reflected strong collaboration between the project team, partners, and the local community.

“Every milestone represents thousands of hours of dedicated work from people right across the region.

“The scale of this project is immense, and we’re proud to be delivering it safely, efficiently, and with a strong focus on environmental stewardship.”

Key progress across the project

SH29 / Takitimu Drive Toll Road (TDTR) Flyover

The nearly completed 363m flyover – nicknamed by commuters as the “bridge to nowhere” – is a major structure.

Still under construction and not yet connected to the new road, it spans the Kopurererua Valley Reserve and will allow you to bypass the new roundabout when travelling from Tauriko to the Port.

Construction vehicles are expected to start using the bridge from March, with commuter traffic following from mid this year, when it will become the “bridge to somewhere”.

Fifteenth Ave Connection

The 120m soil nailed retaining wall is nearly complete. All 12 bridge beams have been installed.

A 4m ramp closure from SH29 onto SH2 is underway until to April 2026 to allow for lane works and signage gantry construction.

Smith’s Farm

The bridge structure is nearing completion, with installation of the barriers, and design panels now underway.

Completed Bridges

The Cambridge Rd, Wairoa Rd, and Minden Rd overbridges are now complete, allowing temporary speed limits to be lifted. Along with the completed Minden Gully offramp, four of the project’s ten bridges are now finished.

Wairoa River Bridge

All 80 beams are in place on the 355m bridge, with curing and barrier installation now progressing.

Minden Gully Bridges

The Minden Rd overbridge is complete. The offramp bridge is currently serving as a haul road for construction vehicles, while barriers are being installed on the remaining structures.

Earthworks

A total of three million cubic metres of material will be moved by the time earthworks conclude in autumn 2026.

Pavement

The pavement construction comprises multiple engineered layers that form the finished road surface. Pavement works have begun and will continue through to the road’s opening in 2028.

More fast facts:

-296 people currently working on the project

-More than 2808 people inducted to date

-100 subcontractor staff engaged (around half from local businesses)

-All bridges scheduled for completion in 2026

-22 sediment retention ponds

-3km of network drainage installed (of 13 km total)

-2971 archaeological features uncovered

-250,902 plant hours logged (as of December 2025)

-Construction fleet includes 6 bulldozers, 28 dump trucks, 31 excavators, 2 graders, 7 rollers, and 6 water carts

“We’re building more than a road – we’re building long-term environmental resilience,” Jones said.

“The wetlands, culverts, and extensive planting we’re putting in place will support the landscape and local ecosystems for generations.”

“The community has been incredibly supportive, and we appreciate their patience. Once complete, this corridor will provide safer journeys, improved resilience, and better connections for people across the Western Bay of Plenty.”

The latest flight over the Takitimu North Link Stag 1 project site shows the project at the start of SH2/15th Ave in Tauranga and heads westward to Te Puna, with commentary provided by James, a Heavy Machine Operator on the project.

Watch the video below.

The Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project is a Road of National Significance supporting economic growth and productivity in the western Bay of Plenty, by providing a reliable, resilient and safe expressway connection between Tauranga and Te Puna.