A major Bay of Plenty roading project has taken a significant step forward, with the second stage of the Takitimu North Link being accelerated through the Government’s fast-track approvals process.
The project, which will extend the new highway from Te Puna to Ōmokoroa, has been prioritised as part of a wider push to deliver key infrastructure more quickly, particularly in high-growth regions.
Stage 2 of the Takitimu North Link involves the construction of a new four-lane state highway designed to replace the existing State Highway 2 corridor. The new route is expected to improve safety, reduce congestion, and provide more reliable travel times for both local commuters and freight moving through the Western Bay of Plenty.
The development builds on Stage 1 of the project, currently under construction between Tauranga and Te Puna, and is seen as critical to supporting ongoing population growth and economic activity in the region.
The fast-track process is intended to streamline approvals and reduce delays that have historically slowed large-scale infrastructure projects. Stage 2 had previously faced setbacks, including being deferred for several years before being reinstated as a Road of National Significance in 2024.
Officials say the project will play a key role in improving resilience across the transport network, particularly given increasing pressure on existing roads and the need for more efficient freight connections to the Port of Tauranga.
The proposed highway will include multiple overbridges, a new interchange at Ōmokoroa Road, and shared walking and cycling paths alongside the corridor. It will also see the existing State Highway 2 route retained for local access.
As part of the fast-track process, the project is being assessed by an expert panel, which is considering environmental, planning, and cultural factors before a final decision is made.
The acceleration of the project reflects the Government’s broader infrastructure agenda, with large transport developments seen as key to unlocking housing, supporting regional growth, and improving safety outcomes on some of the country’s busiest roads.
If approved, Stage 2 is expected to move into construction later this decade, marking a major step toward completing the full Takitimu North Link corridor and reshaping transport connections across the Bay of Plenty.
