The project, which began during the school holidays, involves stabilising a slip below Ōropi Road between SH29A and Maleme Street by constructing a 6-metre-high, 60-metre-long rock wall to protect this critical section of the transport network.
The southbound lane closure will be lifted late on Friday 17 July, allowing both lanes of Ōropi Road to reopen to traffic before the weekend.
Manager: Transport System Operations Shawn Geard says crews have successfully completed the first stage of works, which involved preparing the slip area and bank for construction of the retaining wall.
"We're pleased to have completed this first phase on schedule and be able to reopen both lanes before the school term begins.
"We know the lane closure and detour have caused significant disruption for road users over the past two weeks, so we're grateful for the patience and understanding people have shown while this important work has been carried out."
Phase 1 involved clearing the slip area, preparing it for construction and beginning the installation of rocks at the slip toe
For the next four to six weeks, crews will continue constructing the rock wall, with most activity taking place off the road itself.
During this period, traffic management will be similar to the setup that was in place before construction began. Both lanes will remain open, with traffic shifted away from the work site and a temporary 30km/h speed limit in place.
The shoulder alongside the work area will remain an active construction site, with no pedestrian access. Construction vehicles, including truck and trailer units, will be entering and exiting the work area.
"Drivers should remain alert for construction vehicles entering and leaving the site, and take extra care around trucks slowing to turn into the work area.
"Please continue taking care when driving through the site and obey temporary speed restrictions to keep both road users and our crews safe."
The final phase of the project will involve rebuilding the road above the newly constructed retaining wall. This work may require night-time lane closures to minimise impacts on daytime traffic.
Mr Geard says the disruption experienced during the holiday-period lane closure highlighted just how important this part of Ōropi Road is to Tauranga's transport network.
"The past two weeks have again demonstrated the importance of this small section of road and the critical role it plays in keeping people and goods moving across the city.
"Completing these slip repairs is essential to futureproofing this section of Ōropi Road and protecting the route from further deterioration.
“It also gives some indication to the community of what disruption will look like during construction of some of our major roading and waters projects planned over the next few years.”
Mr Geard says community support helps council complete critical road works safely and on time.
"We'd like to thank everyone who adjusted their travel plans, used alternative routes, or bore with the congestion while the Ōropi Road slip repair was underway.”
The project remains on track for completion in the coming months.
For more information and project updates, visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/OropiSlip