Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is shifting its focus to the construction of roundabouts south of Katikati.

In its latest update regarding safety improvements on State Highway 2, the roading agency says it has now finished road widening north of Katikati.

"Our focus has shifted to the construction of roundabouts south of Katikati ahead of the installation of flexible median barriers.

"There’s been lots of talk in the media recently about median barriers, so it’s a good time to reflect on the importance of this work.

"With any large road safety project there’s a balance between community safety and convenience, and at many of our community engagement sessions we’ve heard varying perspectives on this.

"There will be some who are unhappy that their specific intersection is not getting a roundabout, however, multiple factors contribute to these decisions, with each intersection along the corridor assessed against 24 factors – including availability of land, terrain, environmental impacts, crash rates, traffic volumes, and spacing between turnaround points.

"For progress to happen, a balance must be struck, and decisions made."

The addition of median barriers will require some adjustment to the way people use the road. Bus routes may slightly change, says a spokesperson for the roading agency.

"When leaving the side road residents live on, rather than waiting for an opportunity to turn right across an increasingly busy state highway, they will turn left and travel to the nearest roundabout.

"These changes may mean some people need to travel further or consider their journeys differently following these upgrades.

"However, the consequence of not making it home altogether is far, far worse."

Sharp Road traffic switch

"We are switching things up at Sharp Road, as works continue on the roundabout. If you have travelled through the site recently you would have noticed that traffic is currently moved to the east or northbound side of the highway.

"This has allowed construction of the new approach to the roundabout from Sharp Road nearing completion except for the final surfacing which will be constructed later in the project.

"The next step is to switch the traffic over to east or southbound side of the highway, so work can continue on the west or northbound side."

Improvement works on the underlying ground to support traffic load.

SH2 / Lockington/Matahui roads roundabout – on the home stretch

Waka Kotahi says it is making good progress on the third roundabout at the SH2 and Lockington/Matahui intersection, which is estimated to be completed in late 2023.

"We are hoping over the next two months the weather will settle and we will see less rainy days so that we can complete last stages of the roundabout, this includes finishing all the asphalt layers, installing barriers, signs, and finishing the roadmaking.

"As you can appreciate, constructing a roundabout on an operational highway is a challenging task. We do our best to keep traffic moving, although there will be some inconvenience.

"We appreciate your patience and encourage you to give a nod, smile or wave to our crews as you pass – showing your appreciation goes a long way in making our teams feel valued for the work they do."

Median barrier installation

"We recently shared on our Facebook page the news that since being installed 18 months ago, the median barrier along SH2 near Old Tauranga Road has been hit seven times. That’s seven potential head on crashes prevented, and unnecessary harm avoided," says a statement from the roading agency.

"It’s disappointing to read comments like, ‘seven drivers unable to drive on the right side of the road,’ criticising individual driving skills. Nobody crashes into a median barrier on purpose, just like nobody would intentionally cross the centreline and risk a head-on crash. Most crashes are caused by mistakes – and these can happen to anybody.

"We put barriers in place so that when these mistakes happen, they don’t result in a head-on crash, or people running off the road and colliding with a tree, ditch, or other object. They’re just one of the many ways we’re delivering a safe SH2, as part of New Zealand’s Road to Zero strategy."

Case study supports median barrier effectiveness

In the four years leading up to 2000, eight people were killed and two seriously injured on a stretch of SH1 Centennial Highway, just north of Wellington, says Waka Kotahi.
"An initial 700m section of median barrier was built in 2004 at the site and proved so effective that the public advocated for the barrier to be continued over the remaining 2.8km.

"Since its full completion in late 2007, there have been no fatalities on this section of road, and a dramatic reduction in serious crashes. Between 2005 and October 2015, the Centennial Highway barrier was hit more than 100 times without a single death.

"Median barriers work.

"Please note that since the opening of Transmission Gully in March 2022, this section of road has been reclassified as State Highway 59."

Common project queries

As Waka Kotai crews shift their focus to the construction of flexible median barriers and roundabouts on the southern stretch of SH2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa, here are some answers to queries they’ve received.

Why do the median barriers stop well before the bridges?

It allows drivers to make u-turns which seems dangerous.

The barrier gaps are an understood and accepted risk, but the design addresses this by providing frequent turnaround opportunities. Overall, the safety improvements will reduce deaths and serious injuries.

Why not use t-intersections instead of roundabouts at some intersections?

This was explored extensively during the early feasibility phase to determine the preferred arrangement for intersections. Roundabouts were considered the best solution given the corridor function and constraints.

Read more FAQs on othe roading agency's website.

Have you hit a roadside or median barrier?

Waka Kotahi is interested in hearing from people who have had the unfortunate experience of hitting safety barriers.

If you would like to share your story, please email [email protected] with your details and we will be in touch.