3/9/2025
The first designs of the Tiniroto bypass are now available for the community to see.
Construction on the $45m bypass begins in December and features two new bridges with two kilometres of new road through farmland around the Hangaroa bluffs.
Tiniroto community spokesperson Kirsty Playle says the community is pleased to see the project finally moving to its early stages.
“It’s been a long time coming, but this is incredibly welcoming news for our community and the wider region,” she said.
“The new road will bring much-needed peace of mind and make a meaningful difference to everyone who travels this route.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has played a part in getting this major project underway, we can’t wait to be driving this new route!”
Project manager Jamie Gallacher says the bypass is an important project to improve the resilience of the region, the alternative route to state highway two to Wairoa.
“The bluffs have been a safety issue for some time and we’ve frequently had to close the road due to rockfall during weather events,” he said.
“To think less than 12 months ago we didn’t have confirmed funding or a confirmed solution for the bluffs, it’s great that we’re now looking at designs and planning for construction.
“Road users will benefit greatly from a more resilient Tiniroto road during bad weather.”
The Tiniroto area is one of the focal points for Council’s $245m infrastructure recovery programme, with a major dropout repair already underway at bluff three and the rebuild of St Leger Bridge on Ruakaka Road kicking off in September.
“We’re grateful to Government for funding this project and for their continued support. We’ve worked very closely since Cyclone Gabrielle and they have been great supporters of our plans,” added Mr Gallacher.
Tender issue designs will be ready by the end of September, the construction tender will then go to open market and a contractor selected in November. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
The new design video and more information can be found on Council's website https://www.gdc.govt.nz/our-recovery/tiniroto-road
ENDS
Image 1: The northern bridge will cross the Hangaroa river before bluff one.
Image 2: The southern bridge will cross back over the river after bluff two.
