New roundabout for Te Puke Highway

Tuesday, 7 March

Construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Welcome Bay Road and Te Puke Highway is now underway.

The $2.8m NZ Transport Agency funded project is part of the Te Puke Highway (formerly State Highway 2) revocation process, which has seen management of the road transferred to Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Council's Transportation Infrastructure Manager, Jim Paterson, says the roundabout is expected to significantly improve intersection safety for road users.

"This section of road has a poor safety record and is ranked as a high risk intersection - having had a considerable number of crashes causing injury in the past," says Jim.

"The roundabout design addresses these concerns and meets the needs of road users to provide a safer experience for all."

Works are not expected to impact road users until mid-April.

It is estimated that works will be completed by late July, with landscaping and finishing touches planned for completion in early August.

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The project consists of four main stages:

Stage 1 - Site preparation works, service relocation, construction of the noise fence, and construction of the eastern portion of the roundabout approach and exit lanes. Minimal disruption to road users. Expected completion - mid April.

Stage 2 - Western portion of the roundabout, mainly on the Welcome Bay Road approach. Moderate disruption to road users. Expected completion - late June.

Stage 3 - Construction of the middle lane, including pavement, kerbing and concrete works; installation of the main stormwater line. Moderate disruption to road users. Expected completion - late July.

Stage 4 - Final road surfacing, traffic services and landscaping. Moderate disruption to road users. Expected completion - early August.