The improvements form part of Tauranga City Council's wider Keep Tauranga Moving programme to reduce pressure on Tauranga's transport network, improve safety and make journeys more reliable while major infrastructure projects are underway.
In March 2026, Council endorsed a package of practical, low-cost transport improvements, including a westbound high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on Welcome Bay Road and traffic signals at the Kaitemako Road intersection. Councillors also requested further community engagement before the plans progressed.
Since then, the concept design has been refined based on feedback received from the community and further safety assessments.
Welcome Bay Ward Councillor Hautapu Baker says one of the biggest changes was retaining the centre median on Welcome Bay Road.
"Many people told us they were concerned about losing the centre median, particularly around safety and turning movements. We listened to that feedback and have changed the design to keep the median in place."
The revised proposal still includes an all-day westbound HOV lane between Meadowviews Drive and the traffic signals near the Maungatapu underpass. The lane would be available to vehicles carrying two or more passengers, along with buses, motorcycles, and emergency vehicles.
HOV lanes, also known as transit lanes, encourage carpooling and make more efficient use of existing road space, helping reduce congestion and improve travel times.
To accommodate both the HOV lane and retained median, the existing on-road cycle lanes would be removed and replaced with a new shared path for people walking and cycling. Ten parking spaces on the north side of Welcome Bay Road, opposite and east of Meadowviews Drive, would also be removed.
"We've worked hard to find a solution that balances the different needs of road users. The revised design responds directly to community feedback while continuing to deliver safety and transport benefits for Welcome Bay,” says Hautapu.
Council is also seeking further feedback on a proposal to install traffic signals at the intersection of Welcome Bay Road and Kaitemako Road.
While previous consultation showed general support for the signals, views were mixed, and Council wants to hear whether residents believe the signals should be installed now or deferred until traffic volumes increase further.
Potential benefits include safer pedestrian crossings, better walking and cycling connections, improved access for vehicles entering and leaving Kaitemako Road, and a long-term solution that supports future growth.
Regardless of the outcome, Council is proposing a new signalised pedestrian crossing between Waikare Place and Awanui Place. The crossing has been identified as a priority due to significant numbers of people crossing the road to access bus services, including many school-aged children.
"Safety remains our priority. We know families, school students and public transport users cross Welcome Bay Road every day, and we're keen to hear the community's views on these proposed improvements,” says Hautapu.
Community feedback will help inform Council's final decisions alongside technical assessments, transport modelling and safety considerations.
Residents can provide feedback through an online survey from Monday 14 September until 5pm on Friday 2 October 2026.
Council will also hold a community drop-in session on Tuesday 29 September from 5pm to 7pm at Waipuna Park Pavilion, 25 Kaitemako Road, where residents can speak with the project team, ask questions and share their views.
For more information visit letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/keeptaurangamoving