A proposed median barrier on State Highway 2, between Katikati and Pahoia, is causing a stir with residents and a road safety campaigner.

There are also suggestions that Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency's public consultation may have 'missed the mark”.

The median barrier NZTA is proposing will be mainly unbroken with five or six roundabouts along the highway as 'safe turnaround areas”.

NZTA regional manager infrastructure delivery Jo Wilton says the single lane roundabouts will be sized to accommodate a large truck and are considered the safest option for turning.

The placement and number of the proposed roundabouts is yet to be determined, apart from one at the intersection of SH2 and Tetley road and another at the Esdaile Road intersection.

Andrew Hollis, who is part of the Fix the Bloody Road action group, says the 14.2km median barrier is a 'band-aid fix”.

He claims the roundabouts will create an enormous amount of stop go for trucks and says the road needs to be properly upgraded.

'Putting in band-aid solutions like roundabouts all the way to Katikati, makes it wonderfully safe, but it's going to slow things down.”

The NZTA are seeking feedback on the proposal and have an interactive webpage where people can leave comments or suggestions.

The landing page for the survey has general information about median barriers and no mention of roundabouts.

On May 4, NZTA sent out a press release saying consultation on the median barrier had been extended to May 21 and mentioned the possibility of roundabouts.

SunLive asked why there was no mention of roundabouts on the landing page and on May 12, NZTA added a fact sheet including more information about the proposed median barrier and potential roundabouts.

'I think the consultation may have missed the mark,” says one commenter on the survey pages.

'I spoke to three people today who knew nothing about the proposal. They either live on, or are regular users of these roads so should be considered affected parties. I would have thought an addressed letter to all the people who live on the side roads might have been a more genuine effort to actually reach people. I know the Fairview golf club session was intended to reach people but it wasn't enough really.”

Jo, from NZTA, says detailed consultation started at the SH2 Waihī to Tauranga Corridor Stakeholder and at a community open day on March 25 at the Fairview Country Club.

The day had been advertised in local print media, a radio campaign and flyers and social media were also used, she says.

'This information has also been included in a project update newsletter, which goes to those registered on our database.

'As the scoping options advance into design, more localised consultation will occur, as has been the case along the corridor during the road widening.

'It is anticipated at least six design workshops will be held, and possibly one further drop-in session in the Katikati area.”

Consultation closes at midnight on May 21 and people can email submissions to [email protected] or visit the website.