28 | Tauranga artery gets makeover Tauranga City Council identifies Cameron Road as a high priority for improvement work. City Council Commissioners (below) check out the progress on the Cameron Road redevelopment. Tauranga City Council: Cameron Road Multi-Modal REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Kim Newth Auckland / Tauranga / Wellington www.vitruvius.co.nz Expertise in advisory, engineering and project delivery across the rail, water and transport sectors. At Alta, our job is to help deliver better project outcomes. We do this by applying independent construction expertise in the areas of constructability, cost and commercial and project delivery. hello@altacon.co.nz www.altacon.co.nz 021 198 8980 Government funding for infrastructure to stimulate the economy and reduce the impact of Covid is being put to good use in Tauranga to transform one of the city’s main arteries, Cameron Road. Tauranga City Council identified this route as a high priority for improvement work, in order to meet anticipated housing intensification on Te Papa peninsula and surrounding areas in coming decades. “We’re targeting another 15,000 people to live here over the next 30 years,” explains Brendan Bisley, Tauranga City Council Director of Transport. “The Cameron Road project is about building the infrastructure in advance so we’re prepared for that growth.” With many more people likely to be living close to work in future, a pivotal goal is to create a safe and efficient route not only for motorists but also for pedestrians, cyclists and bus users. “We’re not seeking to reduce vehicle capacity – this is about wanting to provide a better experience across all modes of travel.” Key changes to Cameron Road in the project’s first stage between the city centre and 17th Avenue include new two-way cycleways, bus lanes, wider paths, improved crossings and new traffic lights. To date, more than 5500sqm of asphalt has been laid for footpaths and cycleways and 3900m of concrete for new kerbing. As well, the route is being enhanced with more than 30,000 new shrubs, grasses and trees that reflect the history of the area. Embedded in this project is an aspirational vision for public transport. Ultimately new dedicated bus lanes will pave the way to endto-end, fast and efficient bus services between the city centre, growth hot spots like Tauriko and other local destinations. “It is future proofing for Te Papa peninsula as well as some of our other growth areas.” The total project value is $85m and the Government funding component is a $45m grant. On top of the work being funded by central Government, the Tauranga City Council is taking the opportunity to upgrade associated services for future housing by investing in service renewal. About 2.5km of new pipe has been installed so far, replacing old under-sized pipes, some of which were more than 100 years old. A main sewer line has been replaced and some water mains upgraded to increase capacity. As well, stormwater from roads and buildings is being separated to enable road run-off to be treated before being discharged into the harbour. Progress on Stage 1 was initially slower than planned due to the impacts of Covid – including a partial lockdown and delays due to project workers contracting it - but has since gained ground to be on track for completion by the end of 2023. Brendan notes there have been no major network congestion issues, thanks to effective traffic modelling and planning. Forward ordering of materials has kept supply chain delays to a minimum. The exception was a long wait for a specific paving mould from the US that held up manufacture of pavers for the project. “Thankfully, that delay is behind us - we now have a good supply of pavers.” Summer brings a gorgeous display of colour when Tauranga’s renowned jacaranda trees are in flower. Many of these grow alongside Cameron Road. Rather than using asphalt concrete that can harm tree roots (as water cannot pass through this material), environmentally friendly Open Grade Porous Asphalt (OGPA) is being selectively used to protect these stunning trees. “The jacarandas are hugely important to many residents and there are particular trees, for example around Tauranga Boys College, that were planted as memorials so we want to avoid damaging them. Retaining as many mature trees as possible safeguards the nice vista that we have along Cameron Road.” Consultation with local iwi and the community is now underway for the project’s planned second stage from Tauranga Hospital to Barkers Corner, with a business case due to be completed by early 2023. The Cameron Road project is also closely linked with Tauranga’s City Centre Action and Investment Plan, with public and private sector investment poised to make a huge difference in the CBD over the next 10 to 15 years.
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