The high-risk T-intersection at SH1 and SH29 will be replaced with a two-lane roundabout, the project beginning in October.

The Piarere site is a confluence of three destinations: South Waikato, Bay of Plenty and North Waikato, as well as the three iwi in the area, Ngaati Koroki Kahukura, Ngaati Hauaa and Raukawa.

Funded through the New Zealand Upgrade Programme, the new roundabout allows connection with a potential future expressway and will accommodate any future walking and cycling connections as there will be two underpasses for cyclists: one under SH1 Tīrau leg and one under SH29 Tauranga leg.

“A roundabout is an inherently safe intersection treatment as it gives everyone, whatever direction they approach, a slower speed environment whatever the time of day or night. A good roundabout design provides equal access and manages energy if a collision is to occur, therefore minimising severe injury,” says Waka Kotahi regional manager of infrastructure delivery, Jo Wilton.

The Environment Court has accepted the applications for resource consent and notice of requirement to alter designations for activities associated with the project.

“Waka Kotahi is preparing to go to tender and hope to have the contract awarded by August this year, with construction starting at the beginning of the earthworks season, hopefully in October,” Wilton says.

The long-term Cambridge to Piarere expressway project is currently at the stage of securing route protection. This involves processes under the Resource Management Act to allow Waka Kotahi to require designations and to obtain regional resource consents to ensure the agency is ready to proceed if and when funding is made available. Once route protection is secured, funding must be confirmed then the next stages include detailed design, tendering and construction.