Ōmokoroa Road upgrade lays foundations for future growth

Key upgrades to Ōmokoroa Road are now complete, improving safety and providing infrastructure needed to support the peninsula’s growth.

The Ōmokoroa Road Stage 2 urbanisation project has transformed just over 1km of road between Prole Road and the railway line, with significant changes both above and below the ground.

The $13 million project, delivered by Higgins Contractors on behalf of Western Bay of Plenty District Council, began in February 2025, and was funded through developer financial contributions and the Crown Infrastructure Partners Fund.

The upgrades have included widening the road from two lanes to four, a new roundabout at Flounder Drive, shared walking and cycling paths, pedestrian crossings and bus stop facilities.

It has also involved significant upgrades to water, stormwater and wastewater networks, underground power and communications cables, and streetlighting.

Council’s General Manager Infrastructure, Brad Singh, says completing the project is another important step in preparing Ōmokoroa for continued growth.

“There’s been a huge amount of change along this stretch of road, much of which people won’t see because it’s below the ground. What people will notice is a safer, more accessible road with better connections for walking, cycling and public transport.

“The improvements we’ve made here will support this community well into the future.”

A large part of the project was the construction of the Flounder Drive roundabout, which involved major earthworks, drainage, utility relocations and road reconstruction.

Two substantial retaining walls were also built alongside the Jace development and Ministry of Education land, to support the widened road.

“We know the work has caused disruption for people travelling through Ōmokoroa, particularly for nearby residents and businesses, and we’d like to thank the community for their patience,” says Brad.

“There have also been some challenging conditions along the way. Thanks to the Higgins team and the many subcontractors, engineers and utility providers for the parts they’ve played.”

The project forms part of a wider programme of investment across Ōmokoroa, where the population in expected to reach 13,000 by 2050.

Other recently completed initiatives nearby include the State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road roundabout, Stage 1 of Ōmokoroa Road urbanisation, Prole Road urbanisation, Wāhi ō Waipapa Wetland, and the Tangimoana pedestrian bridge.

For more information visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/omokoroa-road-stage-2-urbanisation