Contractor Downer EDi Works Ltd will be building the planned upgrade to the intersections at Bellevue Rd, Otumoetai Rd and Millers Rd.

The improved Brookfield intersection has been designed to link the two existing intersections on Otumoetai Rd using an elongated central island. Thirteen sets of coordinated traffic signals will ease traffic flow during peak times and control the three linked intersections and two pedestrian crossings.

Improvements to the intersection will provide better access for pedestrians and cyclists, and make the shopping centre more accessible.

Major construction work for the first stage of the project starts on Monday, January 12, and is likely to continue for about four months, with additional improvements to the area for a second stage being investigated.

The new layout has a “dumbbell”-shaped traffic island which includes both of the existing Bellevue Rd and Otumoetai Rd intersections. The traffic island will have signals, and Millers Rd intersection will also have signals to cater for increased traffic from the new link to Bethlehem.

Other improvements include new lighting, pedestrian crossing signals, a 3 metre-wide shared pedestrian and cycle path and strengthening of the existing road.

Tauranga City Council Project Manager Helmut Marko said the improvements were necessary to relieve congestion at peak times and improve pedestrian access and safety around the shopping area. Congestion was likely to get worse in the area now that the Millers Rd link to Bethlehem had been completed last month.

“Up to 8,000 vehicles a day will be using Millers Rd, compared with 2,400 vehicles a day before,” he said.

Once the Brookfield intersection is reconstructed, work will immediately start on Bellevue Rd rehabilitation between the intersections with Sutherland Rd and Waihi Rd. This work is likely to take about three weeks to complete.

Other proposed improvements – including streetscaping, improvements to the supermarket entrance, extensions to the new stormwater line, a new bus stop, pedestrian refuge and improved access for private driveways – will be finalised while stage one is being completed.