NZTA Waka Kotahi say their crews have had a busy start to the year, making the most of the dry weather and longer days to continue to progress the safety of State Highway 2 from Waihī to Ōmokoroa.

Work is underway north of Katikati in the Athenree Gorge in preparation for the installation of 3.8km flexible median barrier.

Widening work has previously taken place at this high-speed high traffic volume location, and installation of median barrier has been coordinated with the reseals programme on SH2 this summer.

The Athenree Gorge barriers are expected to be fully installed by May 2024.

This section of median barrier comes ahead of a further 5.5km median barrier to be installed south of Katikati, between 4 roundabouts (SH2/Rea/Tetley to Morton roads), mid-2024. Roadside barriers have been struck 43 times since being installed in 2020.

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"While the installation of the median barriers themselves is a reasonably quick process, you will see our teams and traffic management in place for around a month," says an NZTA spokesperson.

"This is because the concrete that is poured into the holes will take around 28 days to cure. Once cured, the flexible barrier can be pulled to the right tension."

Line marking at SH2 near Lockington & Matahui roads. Photo: NZTA.

SH2/Sharp Road roundabout update

"We are celebrating a significant milestone with the SH2/Sharp Road roundabout nearing completion. This is the fourth of six roundabouts to be built in this phase of the project."

There are a few finishing touches to do, such as installing kerbing and completing the final road layers.

"Our teams will complete this work overnight, so if travelling through look out for stop/go activity and follow the traffic management in place."

Work there is due to be completed by May.

Summer maintenance programme

"This season’s resealing programme for SH2 is significant with 20 individual sites to complete (total 250 across the region) and this, coupled with our construction projects and traffic volumes, has resulted in unreliable travel times and people frequently experiencing delays," says an NZTA spokesperson.

"In our planning we consider these factors, although there are extra challenges with timings changing based on weather, overnight progress, mechanical issues or other unforeseen issues; the delays early February due to the emergency closure of SH29A impacting the wider road network as an example.

"We have acknowledged the need for more specific information, and we are finding ways to improve that for people.

"One way we have done this is to issue detailed traffic bulletins to our database, so people are receiving information through media, social media and direct into their inboxes."

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Notable changes to road layouts

NZTA say the removal of two passing lanes between Ōmokoroa and Te Puna will significantly improve road user safety, reducing the risk for right turning traffic from Barrett Road and Ainsworth Roads, and improving traffic flow of SH2 by removing the merge which contributes to congestion.

The area between Snodgrass Road and Te Puna, including the passing lane at Ainsworth Road, has one of the highest crash rates in the Bay of Plenty. 

Wider lanes and centrelines in these sections of the road will reduce the likelihood of head on and overtaking crashes.

Widening work has previously taken place at this high-speed high traffic volume location, and installation of median barrier has been coordinated with the reseals programme on SH2 this summer. Photo: Supplied.

Takitimu North Link Stage One will be using the passing lane, consuming the slow lane, as part of its traffic management plan for the western tie-in work at SH2.

"We understand at times, this has caused delays and frustration and wanted to take the time to thank all those who have travelled through any of our sites over the last few months and shown a wave or a smile to our crews," says an NZTA spokesperson.

"It is not an easy job at times and a small gesture of kindness goes a long way."

Why temporary speed limits remain when work appears complete

Following the completion of a chip sealing shift, a temporary speed limit will be in place until the road is swept and line marking reinstated.

NZTA say there are a couple of reasons for this, but most importantly it is to make sure the road is safe for cars to drive on the new seal at speed.

Once the chip (stone) is spread on the bitumen it takes a few days for the chip to settle into the bitumen. Once this has happened the loose chip is removed, line marking reinstated and speed reductions removed.

"If we don’t give this process the time it needs, there is potential for damage to vehicles and the chipseal."

For more information on the SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa project, visit the website www.nzta.govt.nz/w2o