Major infrastructure upgrade opens in Ōmokoroa
A $43 million upgrade to the gateway of Ōmokoroa has officially opened, improving safety, supporting future growth and helping unlock new housing across the peninsula.
Several years of planning, investment and construction have culminated in the opening of the State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade and Stage 1 of the Ōmokoroa Road urbanisation project.
The upgrade includes a new roundabout at the SH2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection, a new roundabout servicing the future industrial area, and the urbanisation and four-laning of Ōmokoroa Road between the state highway and Prole Road.
The project represents one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades undertaken on the peninsula in recent years.
It’s backed by $43 million of investment, including $38 million through the Crown’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (managed by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing), and $5 million from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), as well as additional land contributions.
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer says today's opening was an opportunity to reflect on just how much had been achieved over the life of the project.
"This project has been highly visible for the community. People have seen the changes taking place day by day and watched the gateway to Ōmokoroa transform before their eyes.
"The upgrade has not only created a tangibly safer connection to State Highway 2 and supported future housing and employment opportunities, but also given people confidence that we're planning and investing for the future.
“Successfully delivering a large project like this to budget is a result to be proud of, and a testament to the commitment and hard work of all those involved,” says Mayor James.
The project was delivered through a collaborative effort involving central government, NZTA, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Beca, HEB Construction, Higgins and numerous contractors, consultants and utility providers.
The community's patience and support throughout construction, despite the inevitable disruption, also played an important role in bringing the project to completion.
Following funding approval in 2022, construction got underway in late 2023. Since then, crews have completed extensive earthworks, utility relocations and road construction.
Minister Scott Simpson, MP for Coromandel, says the opening marks a momentous occasion for the growing community.
“From today, residents, businesses and tourists will experience safer and faster travel through Ōmokoroa. Everyone will benefit.
“The upgrade will also help unlock new housing and employment opportunities across the peninsula, laying the foundations for the growth we know is coming to the Western Bay of Plenty.”
NZTA’s Director of Regional Relationships for Waikato and Bay of Plenty Andrew Corkill says the upgrade was an important milestone for both the local community and people travelling through the area.
“NZTA has been pleased to support this project and work alongside Council to help align these improvements with the future transport network.
“The project supports safer and more reliable access to State Highway 2, improves movement into and through Ōmokoroa, and helps unlock growth in this important part of the region," says Andrew.
Ōmokoroa has long been identified as one of the Western Bay's priority growth areas and is expected to be home to around 13,000 residents by 2050.
Supporting that growth has required significant investment in infrastructure, planning and public amenities over many years.
The project forms part of a wider programme of infrastructure investment across Ōmokoroa, alongside initiatives including Stage 2 of Ōmokoroa Road urbanisation (expected to be complete in October this year), and the recently completed Prole Road urbanisation, Wāhi ō Waipapa Wetland and Tangimoana pedestrian bridge projects.
For more information visit: Ōmokoroa | Your Place Western Bay of Plenty
