State Highway 5 Tarukenga

Safety upgrade underway for SH5 Tarukenga to Ngongotahā

At the start of this month work began on the first stage of the safety improvements, a 2.4km section between Dalbeth and Dansey Roads. Safety improvements include widening State Highway 5 (SH5) to allow for a new wide centreline, sections of median barrier, roadside barriers, laying rumble strips and shortening the existing passing lane so vehicles can merge safely. 

The SH5/SH36 roundabout will also be upgraded to provide a safer and more efficient intersection. Construction will include an additional lane around the roundabout, as well as on all approaches to, and exits from, the roundabout. Work on the roundabout is due to get underway later this year.

Come see us

Next week we’ll be joining Rotorua Lakes Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council at a public information session in Ngongotahā. It's an opporunity to update the community on a number of projects happening in and around the village. We’ll be there to present this project, provide more detail about the safety improvements and share our plans on how we’ll manage traffic while the roundabout upgrade is underway.

Date:       Wednesday 23 September
Location:  Ngongotahā Bowling Club, 11 Domain Avenue
Time:       5:30pm to 7:30pm

For more on this project, you can visit nzta.govt.nz/t2n, read the information sheet or see the proposed plans on the project map.

State Highway 33

End in sight for SH33 safety improvements

The safety improvements along State Highway 33 (SH33) between the SH30/SH33 Te Ngae Junction and Paengaroa are approximately 50% complete and progressing well despite the COVID-19 disruption. A total of 7.9km of construction is currently underway, it’s split into two sections between Okere Falls and Allport Road, as shown in green on the project map.

Safety improvements along this section includes road widening to allow for a wider shoulder and a wider centreline, installing side barriers at high-risk locations (where trees and other hazards can’t be removed) and relocating services. The northern section includes construction of a new southbound passing lane that travels up the long hill towards Rotorua, this is planned to be open by Christmas 2020.

Construction is expected to move onto the final sections, shown in blue on the project map, over the next few months so that work on this project will be completed in 2021.Safety improvements in these areas will be the same as the other rural 100km/h sections along SH33. The design team are coordinating the safety improvements with planned road maintenance on the existing curves in the northern section to minimise disruption to the travelling public.

Between Mourea and Okere Falls we are still coordinating the design of the safety improvements with the proposed shared path. We hope to have an update on the funding and timing for this element for the community and stakeholders within the next couple of months.

The speed management proposals have now been implemented and this work has been greatly supported by our iwi partners and locals.

For more information you can visit nzta.govt.nz/tnj2p or take a look at the project map.

Eastern Corridor Stage One

Work is progressing well on the Eastern Corridor Stage One project on SH30/Te Ngae Road between Sala Street and Iles Road.

You may have noticed a significant amount of work happening at the Sala Street intersection lately. Our contractors have been busy building the new slip lane from Sala Street to the CBD, upgrading services, and building the new shared path. Work at this intersection is expected to be complete by late October.

Next month work will begin at Tarawera Road as we begin the process of upgrading this intersection. We’ll share more information about this shortly.
For more information visit nzta.govt.nz/eastern-corridor-stage1

Eastern Corridor Stage Two

Thank you for everyone who provided their feedback on our proposed improvements for the Eastern Corridor Stage Two project. We’re in the process of finalising the Detailed Business Case for SH30/Te Ngae Road from Iles Road to Rotorua Airport.

Public engagement was open during August and we’re now in the process of reviewing your feedback alongside the key stakeholders.

For more information visit nzta.govt.nz/eastern-corridor-stage2

Resurfacing works at SH5 Fairy Springs

The spring/summer road maintenance programme for Rotorua kicks off this weekend with resurfacing work planned for State Highway 5 at Fairy Springs. Resurfacing work is scheduled for various sections along SH5, between Kawaha Point Road and York Street, from Sunday 20 September to Wednesday 30 September.

Work will be undertaken at night to reduce the impact on traffic, with contractors on site between 7pm and 6am. Some delays are expected while the new surface is being laid and motorists are advised to take extra care when travelling through work sites.

More information

For more information on the Connect Rotorua project, contact us at ConnectRotorua@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/connect-rotorua