Plans are underway to begin vegetation removal and site clearing around the State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection.

This early work beginning from Monday, December 4, marks the start to Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s much-anticipated State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade.

Even better news is that these works will take place away from the intersection and will not impact traffic prior to the Christmas holiday period, says a statement from the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

“The car park near the intersection of State Highway 2 will stay open until early in the new year. Once we have a better idea of what further construction work will look like in the new year, we will update the community again,” says council’s transportation manager Jim Paterson.

“We're excited to start some physical works on this project. We know how important this project is for improving traffic flow and safety in our area, and it will be great for everyone to begin to see things begin to take shape alongside their daily commutes.

“We haven’t completed the final designs yet for the project but while this is happening, our team out on the road can start clearing the space in preparation for construction.”

The upgrade will help improve safety at the State Highway 2 intersection and also unlock critical new housing potential in Ōmokoroa, says Jim.

The current intersection is a barrier to critical development required to support population growth in Ōmokoroa, and the wider region.

When the upgrade is complete, more than 900 new homes are expected to be built by 2029 - including a mix of standalone homes, affordable homes and medium density housing.

The upgrade will see a new interim roundabout built at the SH2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection, four-laning of Ōmokoroa Road from SH2 to Prole Road, and a second permanent new roundabout at the future Francis Road intersection to service the industrial area.

The interim state highway roundabout is being designed and constructed in a way that addresses the immediate needs of the intersection, and makes it easier to build the full interchange as part of Takitimu North Link Stage Two once funding becomes available.

In July 2022, Council was allocated $38 million for the project from the  Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, which is administered by Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities on behalf of the Crown. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will also contribute $5 million to the upgrade, and supply land worth $1.49 million.

This funding unlocks critical housing supply for the sub-region by solving the existing safety and capacity issues at the intersection.

Jim says once the final designs are signed off, we will share them with the community and confirm the start date for construction which will include services relocations and earthworks.

“Traffic and roading is a hot topic out in the community and we know there are some concerns about the impact of the works on your daily lives.

“Which is why we are committed to making sure everyone is on the journey with us, providing frequent updates on both upcoming works that will cause traffic disruptions, and project milestones.”

For more information check out our web page – State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road Intersection upgrade - Western Bay of Plenty District Council