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The Welcome Bay community is being asked to provide feedback on revised local transport improvements designed to enhance safety, reduce congestion and support more reliable journeys while major infrastructure projects are underway around the city.

After community feedback received in late 2025, Tauranga City Council has updated plans for a proposed high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on Welcome Bay Rd and is seeking further input on whether traffic signals should be installed at the Kaitemako Rd intersection now or later when demand increases.

HOV lanes, also known as transit lanes, are available for vehicles with two or more passengers and help reduce congestion and improve travel times.

Welcome Bay Ward councillor Hautapu Baker said community feedback had directly influenced the revised design.

“We heard clearly from residents that retaining the centre median was important for safety and access. We’ve listened to that feedback and updated the design so people can continue to safely turn into and out of properties and side roads.”

Retaining the centre median means on-road cycle lanes would be removed and replaced with a new shared path for people walking and cycling.

“This is a good example of council listening to the community and finding a balanced solution that supports safer turning movements while still providing improved facilities for people walking and cycling,” Baker said.

A feedback period opened September 15 and will close 5pm on Friday, October 2.

A community drop-in session will be held from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, September 29, at Waipuna Park Pavilion on Kaitemako Rd.

For more information, visit: letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/keeptaurangamoving