A temporary roundabout will be installed at the intersection of State Highway 2 and Ōmokoroa Road from Friday, 7 March, as part of an upgrade project.

Council Infrastructure Growth and Delivery Manager Annelie Badenhorst said the roundabout will improve safety and give drivers a preview of the final road layout.

“Great progress is being made on the intersection upgrade, and the opening of the temporary roundabout is an exciting milestone,” said Badenhorst. “People will really see things take shape over the next 18 months as the new road layout becomes a reality.”

The temporary roundabout, a smaller version of the final design, will remain in place until the Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s upgrade is complete.

Construction will then continue on the lanes north of the new roundabout, with this phase expected to have the greatest impact on traffic. Motorists should anticipate intermittent off-peak Stop/Go controls and a contraflow system, where traffic flow may shift between lanes as work progresses.

Badenhorst said clear signage and reduced speed limits will be in place to help motorists navigate the area safely.

The upgrade is an interim 10-year solution to address immediate needs until funding is secured for a full interchange.

Once completed, it will include a new roundabout at the intersection with four-lane tapers and highway improvements, four-laning on Ōmokoroa Road from SH2 to Prole Road, a new roundabout at the future Francis Road intersection, and the relocation of driveways opposite the highway intersection onto Youngson Road.

Motorists are urged to be patient and kind to crews working on-site as they complete this essential infrastructure project.