Work wraps up at SH2 / Ōmokoroa Rd roundabout

2 April 2026

Construction of the roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 2 and Ōmokoroa Road roundabout is now largely complete, making the intersection safer and improving access to and from Ōmokoroa.

The roundabout looks and feels finished, with line marking, landscaping and safety barriers in place, although drivers will notice that a temporary 60km/hr speed limit remains on the approaches to the roundabout.

This is because the final, skid-resistant road surface still needs to be applied, which can’t be done until spring when the weather is 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,” explains Annelie Badenhorst, Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Infrastructure Growth and Delivery Manager.

“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 is fully operational, says Annelie.

“The temporary signs are there to encourage drivers to slow down when approaching and travelling through the roundabout, helping to keep everyone safe. We appreciate the community’s patience until this final step is completed.”

This is a significant project for Council, and once fully complete, the upgrades will improve safety and efficiency at the intersection, while supporting continued growth and access to Ōmokoroa.

“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,” says Annelie.

“We also want to acknowledge all those who travel through this intersection, for their patience during construction. 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 Road will continue. Stage 1, between SH2 and Prole Road, is expected to be completed in May, with Stage 2 continuing for several more months as the wider upgrade progresses.

First stage of Ōmokoroa Road works complete

28 May 2026

Major improvements to Ōmokoroa Road between State Highway 2 and Prole Road have now been completed, as the first stage of work wraps up.

Traffic management is being removed this week, marking the end of a significant phase of work for the growing Ōmokoroa community. The speed limit along this section of Ōmokoroa Road will then be set to 60km/h.

The completed work includes:

• Widening Ōmokoroa Road from two lanes to four lanes from the State Highway 2 to Prole Road, including upgraded road layers, kerbs and channels, and a new roundabout at the new industrial road for safer access
• Construction of a new industrial road and temporary industrial pond (the final pond solution is still underway) – opening access to the zoned industrial land just off Ōmokoroa Road near State Highway 2
• Undergrounding overhead power lines for improved safety and reliability
• Upgrades to fibre and telecommunications infrastructure to support future growth
• Improved stormwater management
• New centre islands, streetlights, road signs and road markings to improve safety and visibility

The upgrade forms part of the wider State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection project, supporting safety improvements and future growth in Ōmokoroa.

“Ōmokoroa continues to grow rapidly, and these upgrades are about making sure our infrastructure keeps pace while improving safety and accessibility for everyone using the road,” says Council’s Infrastructure Growth and Delivery Manager, Annelie Badenhorst.

“With Stage 1 now complete, people will start to see improved traffic flow, safer access at key intersections, and better facilities for walking and cycling along this section of road.

“We know this work has caused disruption at times, and we’d like to sincerely thank the community for their patience and support while work has been underway.

“We’d also like to acknowledge funding received from central government to deliver this project, as well as Higgins for their work,” says Annelie.

The total cost of the Stage 1 works on Ōmokoroa Road, between State Highway 2 and Prole Road, is $13 million. Delivery of this project has all been made possible through significant investment from the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, originally administered by Kāinga Ora on behalf of the Government and now managed by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing.

A formal opening will be held in the coming months.

Work will continue on Stage 2 of the Ōmokoroa Road urbanisation project - between Prole Road and the railway line (near the fire station) - with completion of this stage expected around October this year. See Council’s Your Place project page for more information on this.

Video visualisation - pre work beginning: