Our upgrades to Bethlehem Road are progressing smoothly. These improvements focus on enhancing safety and stormwater drainage, which include the addition of a new level pedestrian crossing, as well as widening and extending footpaths and shared paths. These changes will make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle in the area.
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.
A new shared path, 3m to 2.5m wide, will be built on the east side of the road, and a 1.5m to 1.8m footpath will be added on the western side near Bethlehem Shores Village. The project will also include a level pedestrian crossing, new streetlights, and upgrades to stormwater systems, some driveways, and roadside edges.
Grassed swales (slopes) will be created on both sides of the walking path to improve stormwater drainage, while concrete strips along the roadside will help channel rainwater away, reducing the risk of flooding. These changes aim to improve visibility for drivers by reducing roadside parking.
Property owners and residents affected by the streetlight upgrades and the new pedestrian crossing have already been contacted.
When are we doing it and how?
To minimise disruption, work will take place in sections that will take approximately three 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 return to finish the work from the corner at St Therese's church. We'll refresh the road markings once the construction is complete.
We plan to complete the improvements by June 2025 and will update the community regularly during construction.
What does this mean for you?
We’ve made excellent progress since starting the improvements in February 2025 and our team have nearly completed the work on the western side of the road. Depending on the weather, we plan to switch to the eastern side of the road at the beginning of May 2025.
If work is taking place near your home, you may experience some construction noise and activity during our working hours, which are 7am to 6pm on weekdays (excluding public holidays). We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as we complete these improvements.
Traffic management - Traffic management is currently in place on Bethlehem Road. It will be adjusted when we switch from the western side to the eastern side to align with the new work site. We will try our best to keep both lanes open, but if the road is too narrow, we will need to use a temporary stop/go system. Pedestrians will always have access, with detours as needed.
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 inconvenience. Pedestrian access will be maintained so that visitors and (emergency) service providers always have access.
Rubbish collection - Council rubbish and recycling collections will continue as usual.
Parking and cars - The work will impact parking spaces at certain times. Please help us by moving any vehicles parked close to the work area to prevent any staining or damage to vehicles and improve traffic flow.
Foliage - To prepare for the improvements and to make sure the new pathway is enjoyable, our arborists will trim any overhanging foliage as needed.
Stay informed
For news and information on the Bethlehem Road improvements, visit this webpage or please sign up for Tauranga City Council's Weekly Bulletin.
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.