Detailed design plans for the upgrade of Cameron Road are now complete following feedback from the community.
While existing traffic lanes will be retained, the Futureproofing Cameron Road project aims to make Cameron Road safer, more attractive, and provide more ways for people to travel regardless of their age or physical ability. The upgrade will give people greater choice about whether to walk, cycle, scooter, catch a bus or drive. Changes include new part-time bus lanes, a new two-way cycleway, and improvements to make the area more walkable, attractive and community friendly. Stormwater treatment along the road will also be improved.
Tauranga City Council Commission Chair Anne Tolley says developing effective infrastructure for the future is a mindset shift for Tauranga and the changes will allow housing intensification throughout Te Papa to be supported by attractive transport options.
Currently around 14 per cent of Tauranga’s population reside in the Te Papa peninsula, with this forecast to lift to more than 17 per cent by 2050.
“It’s projected around 15,000 more people will move to the Te Papa peninsula in the next 30 years. That’s around two new families a week joining this growing community, which is already home to 20,000 residents enjoying the close-by work, learn and play opportunities that living there already has to offer.
“Our community believes future possibilities for the area include better transport infrastructure and housing, along with less traffic congestion and safer open spaces. Futureproofing Cameron Road is one of the first steps to bring this to life.”
Tolley says Tauranga has been lagging behind. “This is an opportunity to get ahead of our rapidly growing population and incorporate better transport options now, before congestion along Cameron Road reaches a point where it impacts liveability and our economy.”
The project was led by community feedback and growth plans for the Te Papa peninsula, along with support from central government through a $45 million grant.
“The grant we received supports local economic recovery from Covid-19. The funding was specifically given for this project, so it is a great opportunity for council to improve the key southern corridor, to and from the CBD, at minimal cost to ratepayers,” says Tolley.
Tauranga City Council Director of Transport, Brendan Bisley, says the way we use Cameron Road today won’t be the same as how we use it in future.
“We are already seeing more residential and mixed-use apartment buildings being developed on Cameron Road and the nature of the street is changing.
“Cameron Road is set to become a destination, not just a commuting corridor. Ultimately, we hope this will benefit the business community too.”
“Creating safer, more reliable and attractive infrastructure is vital to removing barriers to bus and bike use and offering a real alternative to using a car. It’s very much a case of build it and the people will come. The changes along Cameron Road will support other cycleway and bus network improvements planned for the future.”
Work to upgrade sewer pipes underneath Cameron Road are currently underway ahead of the main streetscape works starting in September this year.
To view the detailed design concepts and for more information about Futureproofing Cameron Road please visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/cameronroad
What's being proposed map