The $13 million upgrade to Ōmokoroa Rd is now complete.

The Ōmokoroa Rd Stage 2 urbanisation project aimed to improve safety and infrastructure needed to support the peninsula’s growth.

A Western Bay of Plenty District Council statement said it upgraded just over 1km of road between Prole Rd and the railway line, alongside significant changes below and above ground.

It began in February 2025 and was funded through developer financial contributions and the Crown Infrastructure Partners Fund.

The upgrades have included widening the road from two lanes to four, a new roundabout at Flounder Drive, walking and cycling routes, pedestrian crossings and bus stops.

The project upgrades to water, stormwater, wastewater networks, underground power, communications cables and street lighting.

The council’s general manager of infrastructure, Brad Singh, said completing the project was another important step in preparing Ōmokoroa for continued growth.

“There’s been a huge amount of change along this stretch of road, much of which people won’t see because it’s below the ground. What people will notice is a safer, more accessible road with better connections for walking, cycling and public transport.”

A large part of the project was the construction of the Flounder Drive roundabout.

This required major earthworks, drainage, utility relocations and road reconstruction.

There were also two substantial retaining walls built alongside the Jace development and Ministry of Education land to support the widened road.

“We know the work has caused disruption for people travelling through Ōmokoroa, particularly for nearby residents and businesses,” Singh said.

“There have also been some challenging conditions along the way. Thanks to the Higgins team and the many subcontractors, engineers and utility providers for the parts they’ve played.”

The project formed part of a wider programme of investment across the Ōmokoroa Rd roundabout, where the population is estimated to reach 13,000 by 2025.

Their current estimated population is about 5800-6500.

Other recently completed initiatives nearby include the State Highway 2/Ōmokoroa Rd roundabout, Stage 1 of Ōmokoroa Rd urbanisation, Prole Rd urbanisation, Wāhi ō Waipapa Wetland, and the Tangimoana pedestrian bridge.