A vital phase in planning for the $70 million Tauriko bypass takes place today when residents get the chance to make their views known.
Three options will be on display at the project's public open day being held at Tauriko School from 3.30pm to 7pm.
It is part of a $1.2 million contract awarded earlier this year for the investigation phase of the project.
Tauranga City Council has already bought 4D Belk Rd for $1.27 million to secure land needed for where the bypass was proposed to leave the highway and take a big loop into the Route K roundabout.
The council would be reimbursed by the agency if the final decision favoured the route through the valley now being developed into the IMF business estate opposite The Lakes.
New Zealand Transport Agency's state highways manager Rod James said the section of SH29 through Tauriko was a challenging section of the freight route linking Waikato with the Port of Tauranga.
Three options have been identified to to improve the safety and efficiency of the highway from Omanawa Rd to Route K. It included upgrading the existing road.
The bypass options were to the north of the current highway along a route which included land owned by Bob Clarkson, or to the south looping around the industrial estate.
Mr James said the open day was an opportunity for people to find out about each option and to give the agency their thoughts.
The investigation reviews options, considers the social and environmental effects, selects the most appropriate solution after public consultation and develops a preliminary design.
The agency's Bay of Plenty director Harry Wilson said the area targeted for the investigation was a difficult driving environment including several tight corners, limited sightlines and the Tauriko township and school. It had a poor safety record and had route security issues such as slips.
Residents have their say on Tauriko bypass
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