State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road Intersection upgrade
About this project
We have started work on the State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection to address safety and capacity issues and unlock housing potential in Ōmokoroa.
The upgrade will include:
- a new interim roundabout at the State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection
- four-laning on Ōmokoroa Road from SH2 to Prole Road
- a new roundabout, servicing the industrial area, at the future Francis Road intersection.
- the closure and relocation of driveways opposite the state highway intersection.
This is a minimum 10-year interim solution to address the immediate needs of the intersection, until funding becomes available to build a full interchange.
What's happening now?
As part of the intersection upgrades our teams were on the ground at the end of last year clearing vegetation and trees. At the same time, we’re continuing to work towards completing the detailed design of the project, utility relocation and consenting.
Once these designs are complete, we will be able to share them with the public and will be hosting a community drop-in session. We will keep you updated on this.
If you have any questions or want more information, please contact us on 0800 926 732 or email info@westernbay.govt.nz
Housing development
The current intersection is a barrier to critical development required to support population growth in Ōmokoroa, and the wider region. The upgrade enables development to occur across the Peninsula by improving the existing safety and capacity issues at the intersection.
This project also provides developers across the Peninsula with the certainty they need.
When the upgrade is complete, more than 900 new homes are expected to be built by 2029 - including a mix of standalone homes, affordable homes and medium density housing.
Frequently asked questions
Why are the upgrades needed?
Ōmokoroa is one of Western Bay’s fastest growing communities and by 2050, the Ōmokoroa Peninsula will be fully developed and home to an estimated 13,000 residents. This means we will need more housing, and a safer intersection that will be able to support future growth.
How much will the intersection upgrades cost?
In July 2022, Council was allocated $38million for the project from the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, which is administered by Kāinga Ora on behalf of the Crown. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will also contribute $5 million to the upgrade, and supply land worth $1.49 million.
Construction of two roundabouts and one being on a State Highway is not as simple as drawing a circle on the road. There are a lot of things to take into consideration, including relocation of services, consents, safety checks and the list goes on.
As the project progresses, we will break down the costs to understand where this money is being spent.
When will construction of the roundabout start?
Preparing for construction has started, with the removal of the trees around the intersection. Next steps will be acquiring the right consents and completing the designs. Once this is done we will share the designs with the community, host an drop in community event and then be able to confirm the dates for further construction.
Is this a permanent solution, or an interim solution?
This is an interim solution. The roundabouts are being designed and constructed in a way that addresses the immediate needs of the intersection and makes it easier to build the full interchange as part of Takitimu North Link Stage Two once funding becomes available.
Is the park and ride being moved?
Yes, it will be moved up the State Highway 2 near Prole Road. We will keep you updated around the timing of this move.
Where has the Lizard gone from the Ōmokoroa sign?
It is to go into safe storage. Its future use as artwork will be organised with Public Art Ōmokoroa who will liaise with Pirirākau hapū, with the expectation of it being moved to its new home by the end of the project.
What will be the traffic impact during the early work stages?
During the early works, there will be minimal traffic impacts or works on the road. It can be done all offline. In 2024, there may be some traffic management in place around the carpark. We will keep the community updated once we know when, and if this will be needed.
What else will change in the permanent layout of the intersection?
We are still working through the final design. There may be additional changes to the location of bus stops and all the existing parking. The changes will be finalised once the design has been confirmed.
How is the work being funded?
This $43 million infrastructure project has been allocated $38 million of Crown funding from the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, along with $5 million from NZTA. NZTA will also contribute land worth $1.49m, and Council will contribute additional land worth $1.93m.
What is the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund?
The Infrastructure Acceleration Fund is administered by Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities on behalf of the Crown.
It is designed to help local councils fund critical infrastructure – such as transport, water or flood management – to unlock development and enable new homes to be built in areas of high housing need.
Is this project part of the Waihi to Ōmokoroa project?
This project is separate to the Waihi to Ōmokoroa project. We will be working closely alongside NZTA throughout the project however as the roundabout will be at the intersection of State Highway 2.
News
30 November 2023 - Early earthworks to begin on State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade
30 August 2022 - Initial surveying works underway on-site
21 July 2022 - Upgrade of State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa intersection gets green light
3 May 2022 - Council one step closer to Ōmokoroa Intersection funding
15 October 2021 - $150m Ōmokoroa Interchange funding application moves to next round