We're upgrading Bethlehem Road to make it safer and improve stormwater drainage. This includes adding a new level pedestrian crossing and widening and extending footpaths and shared paths to make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle.
Why are we doing it?
Residents have told us that it is difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to get around safely, and there is a lack of visibility for cars exiting driveways.
What are we doing?
We’re extending the existing paths alongside the road to improve safety.
We’ll build a new 3m to 2.5m wide shared path alongside the east side of the road and a 1.5m to 1.8m footpath on the western (Bethlehem Shores Village) side of the road.
We’re also adding a new level pedestrian crossing with streetlights.
Grassed swales (banks) will be constructed on either side of the walking path to improve stormwater drainage in the area. Concrete strips will tidy up the roadside edges and allow for rainwater to flow off, lowering the risk of flooding on the road itself.
This work also aims to improve visibility for local drivers by reducing roadside parking, and includes upgrades of stormwater infrastructure, some driveways and roadside edges.
When are we doing it and how?
This work is planned to start on Monday, 17 February and is expected to finish late June 2025, weather dependent.
To minimise disruption, work will take place in 200-metre sections that will take approximately two weeks each. Construction starts from the roundabout on the western side of the road, then it switches to the east side working back to the roundabout. Lastly, the team will come back to finish the work from the corner at St Therese's church.
Hours of work are 7am to 6pm, on weekdays excluding public holidays.
Regular project updates will be shared to keep the local community informed.
What does this mean for you?
Construction in a residential area can be frustrating. When work is taking place near your house, you may notice some construction noise and activity during working hours. We apologise for any inconvenience to your household and appreciate your patience with this work.
Traffic management - To keep everyone safe during construction, we will need to manage traffic on Bethlehem Road. We’ll do our best to keep both lanes of traffic open, but where the road is too narrow to divert both lanes, a temporary stop go will need to be implemented. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times, with diversions where necessary.
Driveway access - During upgrades of driveways, access may temporarily be restricted for up to 48 hours. Our team will provide a heads up and work with you to minimise any inconvenience. Pedestrian access will be maintained, so any visitors and (emergency) service providers have access at all times.
Council rubbish and recycling collections will continue as usual.
If you have any questions, please email transportcomms@tauranga.govt.nz.
FAQs:
Why are you removing parking?
We are removing parking to increase safety for all road users in the area, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Our safety improvements were needed because:
- The road is too narrow for roadside parking, as regularly highlighted in resident feedback about poor visibility when exiting driveways. Removing roadside parking will improve visibility for drivers.
- Berms and swales are not suitable for parking, as they affect visibility and safety. Installing yellow lines will make parking in these areas an offence, allowing for enforcement. Also, swales must remain clear to work properly and should not be eroded by rutting caused by parked vehicles.
How do footpaths and shared paths improve road safety?
These new paths will provide a safer way for pedestrians and cyclists to move around without the need to share the road with drivers.
Why are the swales (grassed banks) important?
Bethlehem Road is a stormwater sensitive area as there is no stormwater system in place currently. These swales are a short-term solution to improve stormwater runoff and mitigate the risk of flooding of the road and adjacent properties. As the area develops in the future, a stormwater system will likely to be put in place.
Also, swales must remain clear to work properly and should not be eroded by rutting caused by parked vehicles. The risk of rutting is high due to the angle of swales; that make it difficult to get in and out with a vehicle.