Three temporary traffic management measures are being introduced at the State Highway 29 and Ōmanawa Rd intersection.
The measures are a part of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s (NZTA) Ōmanawa Bridge replacement project.
This work included realigning SH29 with the new bridge and making minor improvements to the intersection with Ōmanawa Rd.
A statement from NZTA regional manager for infrastructure delivery for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Adrian Jones, said the measures were designed to make turning safer and encourage compliance with the reduced speed limit.
“Safety is our top priority.”
He said there was increasing construction activity and visibility was changing as the new road alignment was built.
“These temporary measures will protect everyone accessing the state highway, travelling through the site, and our crews on the ground.”
The measures included a clearly marked merge lane on SH29 for people turning right out of Ōmanawa Rd, a ban on right turns into Ōmanawa Rd, and a relocated limit line – indicating where vehicles stop – on Ōmanawa Rd to improve visibility.
The right turns would be temporarily stopped to create space for the merge lane and simplify traffic movements.
There would be a detour of about 3km via the SH29 and the Redwood Lane roundabout.
Ōmanawa Bridge replacement and improvements are underway. Graphic / NZTA
The limit line would be moved forward on Ōmanawa Rd to give drivers a clearer view of eastbound traffic and allow them to cross one lane before merging with westbound vehicles.
Larger speed limit signs, improved road markings and side islands would also be installed west of the intersection to reinforce the temporary 50km/h speed limit.
Jones said the new SH29 alignment would be higher than the existing highway, requiring significant earthworks.
Additional material on the new road formation would last about six months and temporarily reduce visibility of westbound traffic.
“We’re confident the combination of these measures best balances safety and efficiency for local road users and through traffic on the state highway.”
He said NZTA would continue monitoring traffic conditions and driver behaviour along the corridor.
“We thank everyone for their patience as we improve the safety and resilience of this important state highway.”
A stop/go and a reduced 30km/h speed limit would be in place between 7pm and 6am each night from Tuesday, April 7, until Thursday, April 9.
Road works were weather-dependent and people were asked to drive with extra care while night works were underway.
2 comments
Sh29 / Omanawa
Posted on 02-04-2026 12:38 | By christine2
Local drivers exiting Omanawa Rd to the East, have to cross SH29 with limited line of vision in front of west bound traffic ,including large trucks,due to the installation of a barrier and an increasing mound of soil beside SH29.
None of the measures in place are helping with this manouvre, making drivers extremely nervous.
Its an accident waiting to happen. Near crashes have been witnessed.
A traffic control truck between 7 and 9am to slow traffic and create a gap is insufficent.
In creating a slip lane to merge with East bound traffic, drivers still have to cross SH29 with limited visibility in front of West bound traffic.
Locals have spoken to those involved in this project and with city leaders and are not getting any satisfaction.
We invite you to Omanawa Rd and exit to the East a few times to experience the danger.
SH29 & Omanawa
Posted on 03-04-2026 00:17 | By NM
Kia ora,
I appreciate the efforts to improve safety, but I have concerns that the current temporary measures don’t address the real risks drivers are facing.
A merge lane still requires drivers to enter fast-moving traffic and rely on others to slow down or allow merging. In reality, this is inconsistent — especially with heavy traffic and trucks on SH29.
With reduced visibility from ongoing earthworks and the new road alignment, drivers are being forced to make high-risk judgement calls. Moving the limit line forward doesn’t fully resolve this.
The current design appears to prioritise traffic flow over safety. Given these conditions, temporary traffic lights would provide a safer, more controlled solution during construction.
This intersection already feels dangerous, and recent near misses show the risk is very real. I urge NZTA to reconsider these measures before a serious incident occurs.
Ngā mihi
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