State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road Intersection upgrade
About this project
The State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection will receive a $43 million upgrade to address safety and capacity issues, and unlock housing potential in Ōmokoroa.
In July 2022, Council secured $38.292 million from the Kāinga Ora-managed Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, for the project. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will also contribute $5 million to the upgrade, and supply land worth $1.49 million.
This funding unlocks critical housing supply for the region by solving the existing safety and capacity issues at the intersection.
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.
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.
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 solving the existing safety and capacity issues at the intersection.
This project also provides developers across the Peninsula with the certainty they need.
With the upgrade complete, more than 900 new homes will be built by 2029 - including a mix of standalone homes, affordable homes and medium density housing.
Next steps
With funding approved, Council will work 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 in 2025. With this announcement, developers are confident that the first houses in Stage 3 will be under construction by the end of 2023.
View the preliminary draft design here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund?
The Infrastructure Acceleration Fund is managed by Kāinga Ora. It was established to provide funding for infrastructure projects that would support housing development in areas of need.
Why have an interim solution?
Council originally applied to Kāinga Ora for $150 million to construct the full interchange, however it was clear this application would not succeed. We worked with Waka Kotahi to modify the application to a new roundabout design for SH2, while still including the original full design for the Francis Road roundabout and the four-laning road to Prole Road.
How long will the interim solution last?
The interim SH2 roundabout has a projected 10–15 year design life, based on traffic growth modelling. It will also be constructed in a way that supports the future interchange. For example, the Francis Road roundabout will be built in the location required for the future interchange, and a lot of the initial works required for the interchange will be completed as part of the interim process.
What is the Omokoroa interchange?
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency proposed a grade separated interchange overbridge at the intersection of State Highway 2 and Ōmokoroa Road. However, this is currently not funded and is not expected to be built in the next 10 years.
For more information, please see the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency website.
News
3 May 2022 - Council one step closer to Ōmokoroa Intersection funding
15 October 2021 - $150m Ōmokoroa Interchange funding application moves to next round
21 July 2022 - Upgrade of State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa intersection gets green light
30 August 2022 - Initial surveying works underway on-site
