Media Release
Transit New Zealand
Tauranga Office
Media Release
2 October 2007
Welcome Bay roundabout proposal gets second green light
The project to improve the operation of Welcome Bay and Maungatapu roundabouts on State Highway 29 has taken another step forward with the completion of safety audits for the signalising of the roundabouts.
The project involves a coordinated system of traffic light phasing at the Welcome Bay and Maungatapu roundabouts, along with the addition of new lanes and the realignment of the road layout and traffic islands. The aim is to improve traffic flows, allow for more predictable travel times and reduce morning and afternoon peak travel times.
The project is now progressing through its final scheme assessment stage and the scheme design is about to commence. Transit has expressed a commitment to complete the design as quickly as it can and to begin construction as soon as the planning requirements are met.
Transit regional manager Chris Allen said signalising the roundabouts was the best current solution to improving the congestion problems at Welcome Bay and Maungatapu in the short and medium term.
"We are confident that the travelling public will see a marked improvement in journey times once this work is completed," said Mr Allen. "However, we also understand that further work is required to find a long-term answer to the congestion issues and we will continue to work with Tauranga City Council to achieve this."
Mayor Stuart Crosby said completing the safety audit was another key milestone in the journey to improve traffic flows through the Welcome Bay and Maungatapu roundabouts and surrounding road networks.
"While it is critical that we reach the construction phase as soon as possible, we need to ensure that the proposed plan provides the benefits that we all expect. In the meantime we will continue to work with our project partners Transit New Zealand and Environment Bay of Plenty to improve traffic flows along these routes to complement the roundabout work using travel demand management tools such as public transport, walking and cycling."
The roundabout project was added to Transit New Zealand's 10-Year State Highway Plan and Forecast after strong submissions during consultation from the Regional Land Transport Committee and Tauranga City Council.
For further information please contact:
Chris Allen
Regional Manager
Transit New Zealand
Ph: (07) 903 5104 or (027) 292 8072
www.smarttransport.org.nz
www.transit.govt.nz