With the weather improving, the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi will be able to kick start the new year with completing another roundabout on State Highway 2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa

"We would like to say a huge thank you for your support and patience this year on the State Highway 2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa safety improvements project," says an NZTA Waka Kotahi spokesperson.

A few of the highlights of the year include:

• Completing the Morton Road and Lockington / Matahui Roads roundabouts.
• Holding community open days in May.
• Winning the Excellence in Road Safety category at the Institute of Public Works in Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) Asset Management Excellence Awards, and the Engineering New Zealand Engineering Partnership Award.

Between 2009 and 2018, 25 people died and 66 seriously injured on this stretch of SH2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa.

Most crashes were caused by running off the road, head-on collisions and intersection crashes. NZTA say the improvements being made are proven to save lives and reduce risk of crashes.

"With the weather improving, we will be able to kick start the new year with the completion of the Sharp Road roundabout, marking the fourth of the six roundabouts completed," says an NZTA spokesperson.

"So, to celebrate another successful year, we are sharing some of the best project pictures reflecting all the great work undertaken, and our people doing it.

"We look forward to sharing more updates with you in 2024. Wishing you a happy and safe holiday season."

For more information on the SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa safety improvements, email [email protected].

You can also visit thewebsite at www.nzta.govt.nz/sh2-waihi-to-tauranga-corridor

Double drum roller putting the finish on asphalt Lockington / Matahui Roads roundabout (September 2023) Photo: NZTA Waka Kotahi.

Compacting the base improvement layer Morton Road roundabout (November 2022). Photo: NZTA Waka Kotahi.

Contractor team on the completed roundabout at Morton Road. March 31 2023.Photo: NZTA Waka Kotahi.

Road regrading taking place near McMillan Road - April 2023. Photo: NZTA Waka Kotahi.

Engineers reviewing the work underway at Lockington / Matahui Roads site - June 2023. Photo: NZTA Waka Kotahi.

Preparation underway for southbound traffic island near Lockington / Matahui Roads roundabout - September 2023. Photo: NZTA Waka Kotahi.

Contractor team at the Lockington / Matahui Roads intersection prior to line marking - November 2023. Photo: NZTA Waka Kotahi.

Completed roundabout at Morton Road - August 2023. Photo: NZTA Waka Kotahi.