A multimillion-dollar upgrade at the intersection of State Highway 2 and Ōmokoroa Rd is nearing completion, with the new $20–24 million roundabout now operational.

The roundabout forms a key part of the $43m SH2/Ōmokoroa Rd upgrade, aimed at improving safety and supporting future growth.

In a statement this week, the Western Bay of Plenty District Council said the roundabout looked finished, with line marking, landscaping and safety barriers in place, but a temporary 60km/h speed limit remained on its approaches.

This was because the final, skid-resistant road surface still needed to be applied, which couldn’t be done until spring, when the weather was warmer and drier.

“The specialised surface provides extra grip on approaches to intersections, tight bends, and roundabouts, and plays an important role in improving safety, particularly in wet conditions,” said the council’s infrastructure growth and delivery manager, Annelie Badenhorst.

“Due to a combination of wet weather conditions and industry-wide supply issues, this final layer is now scheduled to be installed in spring, when conditions are more suitable, to ensure it performs as intended.”

In the meantime, the roundabout was fully operational, Badenhorst said.

“The temporary signs were there to encourage drivers to slow down when approaching and travelling through the roundabout, helping to keep everyone safe.”

Once complete, the upgrades were expected to improve safety and efficiency at the intersection, while supporting continued growth and access to Ōmokoroa.

The roundabout and associated interim works represent an estimated $20–24 million of the overall $43m SH2/Ōmokoroa Rd upgrade. Photo / Western Bay of Plenty District Council

“Council would like to thank everyone involved in delivering the project, including HEB Construction, Beca, NZ Transport Agency and the many service providers, whose work has been critical in bringing it to life,” Badenhorst said.

“We know the disruption hasn’t been easy at times, and we appreciate the support shown while this important work was carried out.”

While the roundabout marks a major milestone, work on Ōmokoroa Rd continues.

Stage 1, between SH2 and Prole Rd, is expected to be completed in May, with Stage 2 continuing for several more months as the wider upgrade progresses.

Funding

The roundabout and associated interim works represent an estimated $20–24m of the overall $43m SH2/Ōmokoroa Rd upgrade.

This included construction of the SH2/Ōmokoroa Rd roundabout and four-laning into Ōmokoroa.

The wider project was supported by Crown investment.

The council was allocated $38m from the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, originally administered by Kāinga Ora on behalf of the Crown, now managed by the National Infrastructure Funding and Finance.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi also contributed $5m toward the upgrade, as well as providing land valued at $1.49m.

Designed as an interim solution with a 10–15 year lifespan, the upgrade would operate until future connections to Takitimu North Link Stage 2 were confirmed.