Environmental and Social Protection

Transit New Zealand works to protect and enhance the natural, social and cultural environment around the project area.

Pedestrians / Cyclists

Pedestrian and cycle facilities will be greatly improved as part of the Harbour Link Project.
All signalled intersections include pedestrian phases for safe crossing of these busy roads.
The signalled intersections also have provisions for cyclists.
Pedestrian facilities are being provided along Hewletts Rd and over the bridge to ensure the bridge can be crossed safely, with a barrier between the walkway and other traffic.
Cycle lanes are being provided from the Tauranga central business district over the harbour bridge and along Hewletts Rd which will join the lanes provided on Hewletts Rd adjacent to the flyover between Hewletts Rd / Maunganui Rd.

Additional bus lanes are being provided on Hewletts Rd between Aerodrome Rd and Totara St.
Facilities are being provided at some intersections for bus priority through traffic signals.
Transit is working with Tauranga City Council and Environment BoP on public transport as part of the Integrated Transport Strategy.

Extensive landscaping will be provided beneath the western abutment adjacent to the urupa/Military Cemetery also known as Otamataha Pa, including a walkway and reserve area.
Land next to the Dive Crescent, Marsh St and the Mirrielees Road intersection is to be extensively landscaped with artworks and interpretation panels.
Extensive planting will also be provided at the intersection of Chapel St and Marsh St merging with the landscaping and walkways of the Takitimu Drive.
Supplementary planting and noise mitigation along the causeway.

Transit and the contractor building Harbour Link will comply with consent conditions to ensure construction effects – such as noise, traffic and dust - are appropriately managed.
With in the construction contract Transit has set in place detailed traffic management criteria that must be maintained for road users during the construction.
During the construction period, where possible, any road closures will be restricted to nights or weekends to minimise the effect on local residents and businesses, who will be notified before any closures are made.
Congestion will be minimised with Traffic Management Plans which will be developed with Tauranga City Council and the Police to ensure traffic is kept moving steadily.
Works next to the highway will be screened where necessary to ensure safety and to reduce excessive noise where possible.
The contractor has to meet Tauranga City Council bylaw standards on noise and dust.

During the approvals phase the visual effects of the project were analysed and several measures put into the design including significant landscaping but not that would obscure the view from the Whareroa Marae to the urupa on the other side of the harbour.
The potential noise effects of the raised viaduct over Sulphur Point were considered at length and the design incorporates noise mitigation barriers on the viaduct , panels on the Aerodrome Bridge, additional bunding and fencing on the causeway and a special seal on the entire length of the project .
Tauranga City and Transit New Zealand are applying urban design principles to the project particularly by adding detailing to the concrete structures and providing public walkways and amenity areas within the residue lands about the project . Artworks and interpretation panels will feature in several locations .

All runoff from the viaduct and new bridge will be treated prior to discharge into the harbour and Waikareao Estuary. Stormwater runoff from the existing bridge is not treated but this will be improved by treatment as part of the project.