Omokoroa residents with safety concerns for the peninsula's intersection with State Highway should clear their schedule tonight.

The peninsula's Future Focus meeting will host the New Zealand Transport Agency, which is set to offer insight on how they plan to address the traffic issues.

Nearly two years on from last talking to SunMedia, Don Cameron says his community still wants answer on how to solve Omokoroa's traffic woes at SH2.

Don Cameron, Omokoroa Community Board chair, talked to SunMedia about this issue in 2014 – and today the intersection remains unchanged.

But community concern is growing – just like the amount of traffic, housing and population on the peninsula.

Don says two issues remain the same.

'One is our [Omokoroa's] intersection onto the main road – SH2 – and secondly, is the increase in traffic on the state highway.

'NZTA is looking at the situation and they are going to be present at our meeting so we might here some revelations from them,” says Don.

'We are waiting with baited breath to see what they come forward with.”

Don says his community has safety concerns for traffic accessing SH2 via the Omokoroa Rd intersection – plus the wait-times for cars trying to turn on the highway exacerbate this.

'Omokoroa is growing – more houses are being built, more sections are appearing and the population is increasing.

'So there's more traffic, so there is more concern.”

Turning onto SH2 is a safety issue, says Don.

'Cars coming over the brow of the hill towards Tauranga are going 100km/hr and particularly if you are turning right to go to Katikati you've got to look both ways and get across two lanes.

'Plus, there's cars coming out of side-roads down the road as well – so you've got to be a bit careful.”

Luckily there hasn't been any major accidents.

'But people are saying it is only a matter of time.”

Traffic between Omokoroa and Bethlehem is also of concern, says Don.

He's heard on morning radio and anecdotally that Tauranga-bound traffic is frequently backed up from Bethlehem to Mr McGregors Fruit Shop at Te Puna – and some mornings can be queued as far back as Whakamarama's Gull station at Barrett Rd.

'The traffic into the city – particularly at peak times – is a lot worse than what it used to be five years ago.”

NZTA Bay of Plenty acting highways manager Adam Francis says his organisation is committed to improving safety for everyone that uses SH2 north.

'This year we have engaged with key stakeholders to identify ways to improve safety on SH2 between Bethlehem and Waihi, while considering where the highway fits in a national plan for transport in the upper North Island.

'The project team has almost completed the proposal for future improvements. It will then be considered by the NZTA board for funding, alongside other projects from around the country.”

The outcome is expected soon, when NZTA will announce long-term plans for the road and when people can expect changes to occur.

Adam says the route is one of the most complex stretches of state highway in the country and any long-term fixes will involve property purchase.

'SH2 between Bethlehem and Waihi is a narrow two-lane rural highway with many intersections and driveways coming off it.

'This environment makes it hard to make long-term changes such as installing central median barriers or building roundabouts without involving property purchase, and that takes some time.

'We also have to take into account the competing and growing demands on this road, from local people making trips to and from town, agricultural vehicles that service the horticultural sector, local freight vehicles, tourists and other road users.

'It is vital we get the right balance between safety and an efficient journey.”

The Omokoroa Future Focus Meeting is on tonight starting 7pm at Omokoroa Settlers' Hall.