Road and stormwater upgrades on the way for Seaforth Road in Bowentown

Stormwater and road upgrades are coming to Seaforth Road, in Bowentown, in September 2026.

The works, which will run from the Plom Road/Pio Road roundabout, through to the Seaforth Road South Recreation Reserve, will improve drainage, strengthen this critical arterial route for the local community, and help reduce the need for future repairs.

This project is part of Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s wider road renewal programme for urban–rural routes across the District. These roads often serve as key access points for local whānau, farms, marae, and holidaymakers.

To help improve the safety and lifespan of the road, Council is undertaking both a road renewal, as well as upgrading the stormwater and drainage systems on this stretch of Seaforth Road.

“We know stormwater management in the Bowentown/Pio Shores area is a concern for many in the community,” says Coral-Lee Ertel, Council’s Director Water Services.

“Doing both sets of work simultaneously means we can strengthen the road and minimise future disruption by putting in place the stormwater and drainage infrastructure now.

“The new systems will be able to support future planned network upgrades aimed at improving how water is managed during heavy rain -­ it means we won’t need to dig up the new road when further network upgrades are rolled out,” says Coral-Lee.

“Done together, we can deliver a more comprehensive project that better meets community needs and long-term roading and stormwater goals.”

The contract for the Seaforth Road renewal and stormwater improvements has been awarded to J Swap Contractors. The works will follow a staged construction timeline. Construction will pause over the peak holiday period from Christmas and will resume after Waitangi weekend on 9 February, with works expected to wrap up in June 2027.

Jamie Minchington, Council’s Senior Project Engineer for Transportation Works, says the works will involve shaping of the western road berm to form a shallow swale, new stormwater collection points and piping, new kerb and channel and outlets, excavating and rebuilding the road structure in layers, rebuilding accessways and underlying culverts, laying new chipseal, and applying road markings.

“We’ve also taken care to ensure the row of trees between the slip lanes and main road will not be removed as part of this work. The slip roads will remain in the same arrangement as they are currently, and the centreline will remain in the same location,” says Jamie.

During the project, people can expect single-lane stop/go traffic management, delays on Seaforth Road, construction vehicles and work crews operating throughout the day, as well as periods of noise and vibration, particularly during excavation.

For residents living on Seaforth Road in Bowentown, vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible during the day using temporary ramps. Temporary driveway closures will be required at times when driveways are rebuilt, and J Swap will be in contact with impacted residents before any work that directly affects access.

“We’re advising the community to please plan ahead and allow extra travel time while the works are ongoing,” says Jamie.

“We recognise that road works are disruptive, and we’ll make sure residents, businesses and schools are kept in the loop as the works progress.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to deliver these important upgrades to the road and stormwater network for the long-term benefit of the community,” says Jamie.

A community information session will be held on Saturday 25 July, from 2.30pm to 4pm, at the Waihī Beach Bowentown Boating and Fishing Club, where Council’s road and stormwater engineers, and the construction team from J Swap, will be present to explain the work, discuss traffic impacts, and answer questions.

What: Community Information Session

When: Saturday 25 July, 2.30pm - 4pm

Where: Waihī Beach Bowentown Boating and Fishing Club (restaurant area), Pio Road

For roading project-related questions, contact:

Jamie Minchington – Senior Project Engineer, Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Phone: 0800 926 732
Email: transportation@westernbay.govt.nz

For stormwater project-related questions, contact:

Richard Myers - Team Lead Capital Projects, Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Phone: 0800 926 732

Email: Waihi.Beach@westernbay.govt.nz

For questions relating to property access or traffic management, contact J Swap directly:

Sean Paterson — Project Engineer, J Swap

Phone: 0800 807 927

Email:sean.paterson@jswap.co.nz

To follow progress and see updates, visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/seaforth-road