Public Consultation Opens on Second Tolling Point for SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link

Public consultation is now open on the NZ Transport Agency’s (NZTA) proposal to introduce a second tolling point on the State Highway 2 Tauranga Eastern Link.

The new toll point would apply to motorists travelling between the Domain Road Interchange and the Pāpāmoa East Interchange, a section currently not tolled. The move is aimed at helping repay the debt incurred during the highway's construction.

NZTA’s Regional Manager of System Design, Susan Collins, said tolling plays a key role in supporting accelerated growth and economic productivity in the Bay of Plenty region.

“It’s already been used effectively in Tauranga to bring forward the construction of new roads, such as the State Highway 2 Tauranga Eastern Link and State Highway 29 Takitimu Drive toll roads,” she said.

“It was the intention of the existing toll scheme to ensure all Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road users make a direct contribution to the road they’re using. The location of the current toll gantry means users travelling between the Domain Road Interchange and the new Pāpāmoa East Interchange are not currently being tolled.”

To reflect the shorter distance travelled on this section of road, NZTA proposes a reduced toll fee for these users:

• $1.10 for light vehicles

• $2.80 for heavy vehicles

  
  

Motorists travelling the full length of the Eastern Link will continue to pay the current toll prices, with no additional charges under the new proposal.

According to NZTA, the second toll point is expected to save approximately $1.7 million in interest payments on the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road loan and could shorten the repayment timeline by up to 12 months.

Public submissions on the proposal are open online until 5pm on Thursday, 28 August.