NZTA Waka Kotahi said people using State Highway 2 between Waihī and Tauranga should expect big changes at the Ōmokoroa Road intersection later this week, with a temporary roundabout in place from Friday, March 7.

From Sunday, March 9, work will be underway on the SH2 traffic lanes north of the roundabout.

“This work will be done overnight under stop/go traffic management with a single lane operational, and there will be two lanes available during the day,” an NZTA spokesperson said.

During this time, traffic will travel on a metal surface under speed restrictions.

“There may be the occasional road closure during off-peak times. This phase of the project is expected to impact road users travelling through this section of SH2.”

People are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to check Journey Planner for road conditions, especially during peak times.

“Please keep a safe distance and follow the posted speed limits so everyone can travel through the site safely.”

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council-led project is an interim solution to address the immediate needs of the intersection until NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) builds the full interchange as part of Takitimu North Link – Stage 2.

Work on the current roundabout is anticipated to be completed by mid-2026.

Find out more information: State Highway 2 Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade

To the north of Ōmokoroa, work continues on the construction of the roundabout at Apata Station Road. Two-way traffic is being maintained during the day through this worksite.

Work is also expected to begin in late March/early April to widen a narrow section of SH2 just to the north of the Pahoia Road/Esdaile Road intersection.