The ‘temporary’ roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 2 and Ōmokoroa Road is on the move – but it won’t be going far.

The current layout will remain the same, but it is being shifted south slightly, to allow construction to continue southbound on State Highway 2, from Ōmokoroa Road.

Weather permitting, changes to the roundabout will be made from the middle of this coming week, and are expected to remain in place until the end of winter.

While the majority of those travelling through the roundabout won't notice a huge difference, those who need to turn right onto Youngson Road will need to take more care, said Annelie Badenhorst, Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Infrastructure Growth and Delivery Manager.

“This is because the right-turn bay into Youngson Road will be removed temporarily, as construction continues. People will still be able to turn right into Youngson Road, but we ask that you be patient and follow the traffic management in place.”

The temporary ‘painted’ roundabout was put in place in February and is a smaller and simpler version of the final road layout.

It will remain in place, with adjustments as necessary, until the State Highway 2 Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade has been completed.

The State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade is a minimum 10-year interim solution to address the immediate needs of the intersection, until funding becomes available to build a full interchange.

Once completed, it will include:

• a new interim roundabout at the State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection with four-lane tapers and highway improvements
• four-laning on Ōmokoroa Road from SH2 to Prole Road
• a new roundabout, servicing the industrial area, at the future Francis Road intersection.
• The closure and relocation of driveways opposite the state highway intersection onto Youngson Road.

Work is anticipated to be completed by mid-2026.

For more information on the State Highway 2 Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/state-highway-2-omokoroa-road-intersection-upgrade