The project will help to reduce traffic congestion and improve access to and from the city centre for Welcome Bay residents.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced in February 2025 that New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) would co-fund the next stage of the project which is advancing the design to prepare for construction in 2027. This phase has an estimated cost of $10.3m, with NZTA funding 51% of that cost.
Mayor Mahé Drysdale says Tauranga City Council is pleased to be moving forward on this key project.
“This transport corridor is the primary link connecting the Welcome Bay, Hairini, Ohauiti and Maungatapu communities to their jobs, schools, social, sporting and cultural activities,” says Mahé.
“As well as reducing congestion, the project will improve transport choice by providing improved walking and cycling facilities and help to improve social wellbeing and connectivity. More efficient movement of both people and goods also leads to improved productivity and economic growth, so it’s a win-win for everyone in Tauranga.”
HEB Construction, which is currently delivering the Pāpāmoa East Interchange project alongside Tauranga City Council, and Beca will both lead and collaborate on the design process to ensure that construction methods are considered early, to minimise disruption to the community during construction and deliver value for money for ratepayers.
Tauranga City Council senior project manager Chris Farnsworth says the early contractor involvement model allows for better cost control, improved collaboration, risk reduction, faster delivery, and enhanced quality.
“It also encourages innovation and transparency by involving the contractor early in the decision-making process, making it ideal for complex or large projects,” says Chris.
HEB Construction senior project manager Brian Fuller says the company is excited to get started on the Fifteenth Avenue to Welcome Bay improvements.
“Being chosen to deliver this project alongside Tauranga City Council and Beca is a fantastic opportunity for our team. At HEB Construction, we’re proud to continue working with the council and contributing to the Bay of Plenty community in this vibrant, growing region. We will work collaboratively from day one to minimise disruption, introduce innovative solutions and deliver smart, safe, and resilient infrastructure that benefits the community.”
Structural and seismic investigations on the Hairini Bridge are now underway to determine its expected remaining useful life and the seismic capacity of the existing bridge and piers. These investigations are planned to be completed by mid-2026. Once that information is available, full design will get underway, with the community having an opportunity to provide feedback before construction starts (currently planned for mid-2027 if further funding is approved by NZTA).
For more information about the project visit letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/welcomebay.