Upgrade for State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road gets green light

It’s happening…

The long-awaited upgrade of the State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection has finally been given the green light.

Today Minister of Housing, Megan Woods, announced Western Bay of Plenty District Council has secured $38 million from the Kāinga Ora-led Infrastructure Acceleration Fund to upgrade the intersection.

The upgrade will address the existing safety and capacity issues at the intersection, unlocking critical new housing potential in Ōmokoroa.

The upgrade will see a new interim roundabout built at SH2 / Ōmokoroa Road, four-laning of Ōmokoroa Road from SH2 to Prole Road, and a second roundabout at the future Francis Road intersection to service the industrial area.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will also contribute $5m to the project plus land worth $1.49m. Council will manage the project and contribute additional land worth $1.93m.

Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says this is a momentous achievement for the District, and one that will make a massive difference to people who regularly travel through this intersection.

“It’s been a difficult journey with countless push backs, twists and turns over the past 12 years as we have fought to make this project happen for the Ōmokoroa community.

“So to be able to say that this work is really happening will bring immense relief to those who use the intersection.”

Mayor Webber says this is a vital piece of infrastructure for supporting the significant population growth in Ōmokoroa, and the wider region.

“This upgrade will make the intersection safer, and improve its capacity, enabling hundreds of additional homes to be built across the Peninsula.

“Without this funding, this critical development would not be able to go ahead.”

With the upgrade complete, Council expects more than 900 new homes will be constructed across Ōmokoroa by 2029 – including a mix of standalone homes, affordable homes and medium density housing.

Mayor Webber says four key developers have entered “Housing Outcome Agreements” with Kāinga Ora and Council to show their commitment to delivering this housing as quickly as possible.

Waka Kotahi Director Regional Relationships, David Speirs, says Waka Kotahi looks forward to progressing the upgrade with Council.

“We appreciate the opportunity to progress the upgrade and work alongside Council on this project, and support Kāinga Ora’s investment via the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund.

“This continues our work to improve safety and accessibility along this section of SH2.”

The upgrade is a minimum 10-year interim solution to address the immediate needs of the intersection, until funding becomes available to build a full interchange.

The interim solution will be constructed in a way that makes it easier to build the full interchange in the future.

Council will now work with Waka Kotahi towards completing the detailed design of the project, and consenting.

Construction on the first stage may begin as early as the 22/23 construction season, with completion expected in 2025.

For more information visit Council’s project webpage.