Ideas designed to future proof Rotorua's transport network and to make travel around the city easier and safer will be presented during public information sessions on Wednesday.

The New Zealand Transport Agency is working with Rotorua Lakes Council to deliver the ‘Connect Rotorua' work programme which aims to resolve congestion issues, address challenges surrounding local road access, and support inner city revitalisation.

Last year the Government announced $24 million in funding to transform the central and eastern corridors, and since then workshops have been held with key stakeholders, including Rotorua Lakes and Bay of Plenty Regional councils, iwi partners, emergency services, plus freight and tourism groups.

NZTA's Bay of Plenty highways manager Niclas Johansson says people will have the chance to review the shortlist and share their ideas on proposed changes during upcoming public information sessions this Wednesday.

'Stakeholder feedback has been used to create a shortlist of possible changes designed to enhance Rotorua's central corridor and increase capacity in the east.

'The public information sessions this week are a chance for people to review the shortlist and share their thoughts on what we are proposing in partnership with Rotorua Lakes Council.

'We encourage people to come along and ask questions, give feedback and meet the team that will be working on Connect Rotorua.”

Once feedback is collated, the NZTA will assess the options further and refine them, with preferred options expected to be announced later this year.

The work will complement the more than $17 million worth of transport projects already announced or underway in Rotorua, including the SH5 Hemo Road roundabout and cycling connections.

To view the options and provide feedback online, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/connect-rotorua

PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS - Wednesday, April 12:

Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre Foyer
1170 Fenton Street, Rotorua
10am – 1pm

Lynmore Primary School Hall
Corner Te Ngae Road and Iles Road.
Parking outside the school office or on Larcy Road, Iles Road and Owhatiura Drive.
4pm - 7pm

People can attend at any time within these hours.