State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade + Stage 1 Ōmokoroa Road

Share State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade + Stage 1 Ōmokoroa Road on Facebook Share State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade + Stage 1 Ōmokoroa Road on X (formerly Twitter) Share State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade + Stage 1 Ōmokoroa Road on Linkedin Email State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade + Stage 1 Ōmokoroa Road link

Major infrastructure upgrade opens in Ōmokoroa

A $43 million upgrade to the gateway of Ōmokoroa has officially opened, improving safety, supporting future growth and helping unlock new housing across the peninsula.

Several years of planning, investment and construction have culminated in the opening of the State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade and Stage 1 of the Ōmokoroa Road urbanisation project.

The upgrade includes a new roundabout at the SH2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection, a new roundabout servicing the future industrial area, and the urbanisation and four-laning of Ōmokoroa Road between the state highway and Prole Road.

The project represents one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades undertaken on the peninsula in recent years.

It’s backed by $43 million of investment, including $38 million through the Crown’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (managed by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing), and $5 million from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), as well as additional land contributions.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer says today's opening was an opportunity to reflect on just how much had been achieved over the life of the project.

"This project has been highly visible for the community. People have seen the changes taking place day by day and watched the gateway to Ōmokoroa transform before their eyes.

"The upgrade has not only created a tangibly safer connection to State Highway 2 and supported future housing and employment opportunities, but also given people confidence that we're planning and investing for the future.

“Successfully delivering a large project like this to budget is a result to be proud of, and a testament to the commitment and hard work of all those involved,” says Mayor James.

The project was delivered through a collaborative effort involving central government, NZTA, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Beca, HEB Construction, Higgins and numerous contractors, consultants and utility providers.

The community's patience and support throughout construction, despite the inevitable disruption, also played an important role in bringing the project to completion.

Following funding approval in 2022, construction got underway in late 2023. Since then, crews have completed extensive earthworks, utility relocations and road construction.

Minister Scott Simpson, MP for Coromandel, says the opening marks a momentous occasion for the growing community.

“From today, residents, businesses and tourists will experience safer and faster travel through Ōmokoroa. Everyone will benefit.

“The upgrade will also help unlock new housing and employment opportunities across the peninsula, laying the foundations for the growth we know is coming to the Western Bay of Plenty.”

NZTA’s Director of Regional Relationships for Waikato and Bay of Plenty Andrew Corkill says the upgrade was an important milestone for both the local community and people travelling through the area.

“NZTA has been pleased to support this project and work alongside Council to help align these improvements with the future transport network.

“The project supports safer and more reliable access to State Highway 2, improves movement into and through Ōmokoroa, and helps unlock growth in this important part of the region," says Andrew.

Ōmokoroa has long been identified as one of the Western Bay's priority growth areas and is expected to be home to around 13,000 residents by 2050.

Supporting that growth has required significant investment in infrastructure, planning and public amenities over many years.

The project forms part of a wider programme of infrastructure investment across Ōmokoroa, alongside initiatives including Stage 2 of Ōmokoroa Road urbanisation (expected to be complete in October this year), and the recently completed Prole Road urbanisation, Wāhi ō Waipapa Wetland and Tangimoana pedestrian bridge projects.


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:


Major infrastructure upgrade opens in Ōmokoroa

A $43 million upgrade to the gateway of Ōmokoroa has officially opened, improving safety, supporting future growth and helping unlock new housing across the peninsula.

Several years of planning, investment and construction have culminated in the opening of the State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade and Stage 1 of the Ōmokoroa Road urbanisation project.

The upgrade includes a new roundabout at the SH2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection, a new roundabout servicing the future industrial area, and the urbanisation and four-laning of Ōmokoroa Road between the state highway and Prole Road.

The project represents one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades undertaken on the peninsula in recent years.

It’s backed by $43 million of investment, including $38 million through the Crown’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (managed by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing), and $5 million from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), as well as additional land contributions.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer says today's opening was an opportunity to reflect on just how much had been achieved over the life of the project.

"This project has been highly visible for the community. People have seen the changes taking place day by day and watched the gateway to Ōmokoroa transform before their eyes.

"The upgrade has not only created a tangibly safer connection to State Highway 2 and supported future housing and employment opportunities, but also given people confidence that we're planning and investing for the future.

“Successfully delivering a large project like this to budget is a result to be proud of, and a testament to the commitment and hard work of all those involved,” says Mayor James.

The project was delivered through a collaborative effort involving central government, NZTA, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Beca, HEB Construction, Higgins and numerous contractors, consultants and utility providers.

The community's patience and support throughout construction, despite the inevitable disruption, also played an important role in bringing the project to completion.

Following funding approval in 2022, construction got underway in late 2023. Since then, crews have completed extensive earthworks, utility relocations and road construction.

Minister Scott Simpson, MP for Coromandel, says the opening marks a momentous occasion for the growing community.

“From today, residents, businesses and tourists will experience safer and faster travel through Ōmokoroa. Everyone will benefit.

“The upgrade will also help unlock new housing and employment opportunities across the peninsula, laying the foundations for the growth we know is coming to the Western Bay of Plenty.”

NZTA’s Director of Regional Relationships for Waikato and Bay of Plenty Andrew Corkill says the upgrade was an important milestone for both the local community and people travelling through the area.

“NZTA has been pleased to support this project and work alongside Council to help align these improvements with the future transport network.

“The project supports safer and more reliable access to State Highway 2, improves movement into and through Ōmokoroa, and helps unlock growth in this important part of the region," says Andrew.

Ōmokoroa has long been identified as one of the Western Bay's priority growth areas and is expected to be home to around 13,000 residents by 2050.

Supporting that growth has required significant investment in infrastructure, planning and public amenities over many years.

The project forms part of a wider programme of infrastructure investment across Ōmokoroa, alongside initiatives including Stage 2 of Ōmokoroa Road urbanisation (expected to be complete in October this year), and the recently completed Prole Road urbanisation, Wāhi ō Waipapa Wetland and Tangimoana pedestrian bridge projects.


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: