The Baypark to Bayfair Link is now expected to be completed in late-2023 - a year later then initially scheduled.

Following an extensive amount of reprogramming work, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency can confirm the new completion date for the Bay Link project is late-2023 and the total project cost is $262 million.

Over the past 18 months, the Bay Link project has faced significant challenges, which have substantially impacted on the cost, scope and timeframe for completion, and it’s good to be at a point where we can provide the public with some certainty around timeframes, says portfolio delivery manager Jo Wilton.

“The change of project scope, with the inclusion of the underpass at an advanced stage of the construction programme, combined with complex ground conditions and the impact of COVID-19 at a critical time, have all had a cumulative effect."

Waka Kotahi has agreed to a new programme with CPB Contractors to get the project finished, while ensuring high standards are maintained and health and safety remains front of mind.

“The project is now approximately 60 per cent complete and the revised programme ensures the road will be completed by late-2023."

Staging in a construction programme is critical, and if one activity shifts, this impacts on all subsequent works, says Jo.

“The ground conditions in the Bayfair area are relatively unique and very complicated, and working through the ground improvements has set the project back substantially.

"The timing of the first and second COVID-19 lockdowns were also at critical points in the construction programme, impacting key earthworks and implementation of phase two of the signalised crossing at Bayfair.

“While having a committed timeframe and final cost resolved is a significant step for Waka Kotahi and the project team, we recognise the announcement of a delayed opening won’t be welcome news, especially given the ongoing impact on the neighbouring residents and local business, and people who drive through the site.

“Everyone who lives and works alongside and travels through the project site will be looking forward to its completion as much as we are, and while any delay is unfortunate, with the ongoing commitment and hard work of our project team we expect to achieve the revised road opening date.

“We will continue to work to mitigate the impacts of construction as best we can,” says Ms Wilton.

The key consideration for Waka Kotahi when agreeing the revised programme was ensuring high quality delivery of the project, as quickly as possible, while supporting the continued viability of New Zealand’s construction sector.

The project had been scheduled to open at the end of 2022.

Improving the safety, connectivity and resilience of the Tauranga network is key to helping boost the economic potential of the Bay of Plenty region.

Source: SunLive