$45m for Cameron Road transformation

Details of a $45 million government-funded project to futureproof Cameron Road are being shared with the community, so they can help finalise the plan which will help transform the Te Papa Peninsula into a thriving, connected centre. Cameron Road is one of the city’s busiest roads, connecting people in Tauranga’s southern suburbs to the city centre. At present, more than one million bus passengers travel along Cameron Road each year, and 60 per cent of all bus connections in Tauranga pass through Cameron Road. Tauranga is growing fast and by 2063 our population is projected to have increased by almost 80,000. Tauranga City Council infrastructure general manager, Nic Johansson, says Cameron Road is one of the city’s main arteries, and we have an opportunity to get ahead of the growth by incorporating more transport options now, before the road is clogged with congestion. “This multi-stage project will help address this growth, revitalise a key part of our city, and provide more transport options so people don’t have to be so car dependant, all things the community has said they would like.” The project aims to make this key route safer, more attractive, and provide more ways to move by giving people greater choice about whether to walk, cycle, scooter, catch a bus or drive. Changes will include new part-time bus lanes, a new two-way cycleway, and improvements to make the area more walkable, attractive and community-friendly. This includes native plantings that reflect the history of the area and attract birdlife, spaces for the community to spend time in, and room for businesses to have more interaction with the street including outdoor dining areas, for example, existing traffic lanes will be retained. “Through consultation on the Te Papa Spatial Plan, the community have said they want safe open spaces, tree-lined streets, pedestrian-friendly, walkable neighbourhoods, and more housing and transport choices. One of the first steps towards creating this future will be along Cameron Road,” says Nic. Futureproofing Cameron Road also aligns with the government’s goals of supporting growth, safety, alternate transport choices and creating attractive public spaces for the community. “The grant we have received from the central government to support local economic recovery from Covid-19 is a great opportunity for us to improve our city without ratepayers bearing the full cost of this significant project.” Stage one of ‘Futureproofing Cameron Road’ will run from Harington Street in the CBD down to 17th Ave beside Tauranga Hospital. Stage two aims to transform the length of Cameron Road from the hospital to Barkes Corner. There is also potential to extend this to Tauriko., which will unlock the full benefits of the changes and support other cycleways and bus network improvements planned for the future. Since 2018 Council has been working with a group of local residents and business representatives from the Stage One stretch of Cameron Road as well as a range of stakeholder groups to get their input into early-stage designs and will continue to work alongside them as plans are firmed up. Council would now like input from the wider community through the next design and development phases. Community events are planned so the community can share their thoughts. Monday, March 22 from 7am-7pm at Tauranga City Council offices Tuesday, March 23 from 12pm-6pm at Pak’n’Save Tauranga car park Thursday, March 25 from 12pm-6pm at Tauranga Baptist Church (beside Countdown) Saturday, March 27 from 7.15am-12pm at Tauranga Farmers’ Market. Detailed design for Stage One will be completed in July 2021. In preparation for the main construction to commence in September, some enabling works and trail road layout changes will start in late April 2021. Council and the government have confirmed certain aspects of the project (such as the two-way cycleway, part-time bus lanes, and retention of existing traffic lanes) must be included. However, community feedback is being sought on a range of other elements. “We are looking forward to finalising the design with the public’s help and realising the benefits of this significant project for our community.” The community can provide feedback in person at open days, online at www.tauranga.govt.nz/cameronroad, by email to [email protected], or by calling Council on 07 577 7000.