Connect Rotorua

7 July 2023

Kia ora koutou katoa

Welcome to the winter Connect Rotorua pānui (newsletter). This pānui is our place to share updates on Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency projects being planned or underway in the Rotorua Lakes district.

Around the city we have the Connect Rotorua programme which is delivering work to improve the Rotorua transport network and implement Road to Zero - creating a safe and sustainable network to support your community wellbeing and make daily journeys more enjoyable.

Further afield, Under Road to Zero, we’re improving the safety of our existing roads.   Waka Kotahi is committed to Road to Zero, a vision for Aotearoa New Zealand where no one is killed or seriously injured on our roads.

We use evidence-based tools to identify the best solutions in high-risk areas.

Deaths and serious injuries are preventable, but reducing crashes is about much more than just how we drive - it’s about all the different parts of the system – roads, vehicles, speeds, and people.

SH30/SH33 Te Ngae Junction roundabout works

Work is underway on the roundabout at the State Highway 30 and State Highway 33 intersection with crews working in shifts for up to 20 hours a day during the week. 

We’re aware of the impacts the construction is having to people’s journeys, and the team is committed to getting the work to a stage where the restrictions are lifted as soon as we’re able.

We are constantly reviewing the traffic management with the phasing of the Stop/Go or traffic lights catering to the peak flows. The significant delays through the site should only be in place for another few weeks. 

We are making this intersection safer because it is high risk. We are constructing a roundabout, which are considered one of the best solutions for intersections as they simplify decision making and reduce errors people may make.

Roundabouts are proven and effective safety improvements that will reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured at this intersection. The improvements will slow vehicle speeds, reduce the severity of head-on and side impact crashes if they do occur and make it safer for vehicles to turn.

While this work is underway drivers should plan their journey to take expected delays account. There are no detours suitable for heavy vehicles. People driving light vehicles via SH33 may choose to travel via Hamurana Road or State Highway 36 to Rotorua west.

We’ve already built a retaining wall to support the new single-lane roundabout, and a bypass for people on bikes travelling north via Rangiteaorere Road, safely separating them from vehicles at the roundabout.

Other improvements will include a new right turn bay at the SH30/Rangiteaorere Road intersection to make it safer to get to Mātaikōtare, and upgrading the roadside barriers. 

Te Ngae Junction

Te Ngae Junction - updated frequently asked questions

SH33 Te Ngae Junction to Paengaroa safety improvements

We’re working on one of the final sections of this safety improvements project to make travel safer.

Most of this work is now complete and only small, but important, sections of road either side of the Sun Valley curves passing lane remain to complete.

Safety improvements that reduce deaths and serious injuries have been put in place include:

• installation of new signs and line markings to create slower speed environments in Paengaora, Ōkere Falls and Mourea
• wide centrelines from Paengaroa to Te Ngae Junction to keep traffic apart and reduce head-on collisions
• roadside barriers to catch vehicles that leave the road
• flexible safety barriers at high-risk locations to stop vehicles from running off the road or hitting trees and deep ditches
• widening and sealing roadside shoulders to provide extra room.

We finished the shared path between Ōkere Falls and Hamurana Road late last year so that people walking, cycling, scooting, or pushing a pram, can keep separate from motor vehicles by using the 3.5km shared path. A blessing was held at the time (above picture).

The path includes four pedestrian islands to keep people safe when crossing SH33 and allows tamariki and whanau from Whangamarino School to walk to and from kura safely.

150m of kerbing has been installed along the roadside, and new signs and road markings completed the work.

For more information on the safety improvements to make SH33 safer, between Te Ngae Junction and Paengaroa, visit nzta.govt.nz/sh33-te-ngae-to-paengaroa.

SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage Two a year on

Since major works of the SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage Two project started a year ago, work has been powering ahead between Iles and Basley Roads and further north to Ōwhata Road.

This project addresses safety and connectivity, while accommodating for future growth and providing people with better travel choices. The first phase between Iles and Coulter roads received $35 million from the Government’s Crown Infrastructure Partners funding for construction to support growth and development in Eastside Rotorua.

Most of the work to date has happened underground or off-road and needed to be done before working on the transport upgrades such as new footpaths, on-road cycle lanes, intersections and roads. It’s a crucial element of the project and supports futureproofing the Eastside area.

One of the more visible changes has been undergrounding power and removing power poles. The undergrounding of power, along with water and fibre services is complete between Iles and Basley Roads, and most footpaths have been upgraded in this section. This work continues moving north.

We have asphalted the westbound lane of SH30/Te Ngae Road north of Iles Road and the mid-block between Tennyson and Brent Road and we are preparing to surface the eastbound lane in the same section.

The signalised intersection at Basley Road and SH30/ Te Ngae Road is nearly complete, including realigning the intersection, installing ducting for the new traffic signal poles and installing the new pedestrian crossing, bus shelter foundations, and new kerb and channel. The landscaping will be finished soon.

Services have also been undergrounded at Basley Road, Owhatiura Drive and Melrose Avenue and new stormwater pipes, catch pits and manholes installed up the southern side of SH30/Te Ngae Road.

To widen the road between Iles Road and Puketāwhero Park work includes removing the existing berm and footpath, digging a trench to relocate services (fibre, tele communications, new watermains) and undergrounding power lines.

We have built a retaining wall on SH30/Te Ngae Road opposite Brent Road so that work can go ahead onroad. Upgrades will include a new signalised pedestrian crossing, footpath and on-road cycleway and, on the southern side, a new shared path.

There are many active worksites on the road and we ask for your continued patience and care when travelling. As work progresses our temporary traffic management changes so keep aware.

Find out more at SH30 Eastern Corridor - Stage Two

Speed review update

In 2022 we consulted on new speed limit proposals for SH30 between Tikitere and Whakatāne.

We expect to make an announcement on the speed review soon, with safer speeds in place soon after.

The current posted speed limits are not safe and appropriate for this corridor due to the potential for head-on crashes. While installing median barriers is an option for reducing the risk of head-on crashes, this road has not been designed in a way which would enable this to happen easily and without considerable investment.

Together, safety improvements in speed and infrastructure will save lives and reduce the number of people seriously injured. Combined, they are an important part of Road to Zero, Aotearoa New Zealand’s road safety strategy.

Speed affects both the likelihood of a crash, and the severity of it. Even when speed doesn’t cause a crash, it’s what will most likely determine whether anyone is killed or injured, or walks away unharmed.

More information on the speed review can be found at nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh30-tikitere-to-whakatane-speed-review/

Maintenance winter update

Despite the summer weather, more than 80% of programmed maintenance and renewals work was completed in the wider BOP over the 2022-2023 summer.

Over the colder, wetter months (specifically May – August) we focus on ‘holding’ roads in their current state. This means you will see us filling potholes, undertaking minor repairs to failed sections of road, and other activities that ensure the road is operational.

Full paving and surfacing remedial works need to be undertaken in the drier warmer (summer) months.

Our contractors are required to formally inspect the state highway network on a regular basis, and during the wetter, colder months they will have teams patrolling the network to proactively fill potholes and undertake other quick maintenance activities.

At night and over the weekend our contractors have crews that are ‘on call’. They are activated through a process that starts when we are notified of an issue that needs immediate repair (like a pothole).

We encourage the use of 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to advise us of any issue on the state highway network.

Utuhina Stream Bridge - SH5

Maintenance work is being planned for the Utuhina Stream bridge on SH5 later this year. We will share information about the timing of the works, and how your travel may be impacted, once details are confirmed. 

Plan your journey - drive to winter conditions

The recent change in weather has been a good prompt for road users to think about winter conditions and the adjustments required when driving during the colder, wetter months of the year. Ice, fog, rain and snow can make for unforgiving road conditions.

Allowing extra time for your journeys and driving to the road and weather conditions will ensure you reach your destination safely says Roger Brady, Bay of Plenty System Manager at Waka Kotahi.

“We have already seen this year the impact weather can have on the state highway network, and that was reinforced during this week’s weather.

With more wet weather forecast, Mr Brady recommends following some simple tips to ensure you reach your destination safely.

“During wet weather it’s a good idea to maintain a greater following distance between your vehicle and the one in front, slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards.

“If driving long distances consider sharing the driving and ensure you take regular breaks. Finally, check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner before you leave home to ensure you have the latest information on the state highway network.

Journey Planner

“A well-planned journey is more likely to be a safe journey.”

Tirau to Tarukenga safety improvements proposed

As part of Road to Zero’s speed and infrastructure programme Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is making State Highway 5 between Tirau and Tarukenga safer, to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the road.

The safety improvements proposed include flexible median safety barriers, roundabouts at key intersections and safe turnaround areas. No changes are proposed for the road through Fitzgerald Glade to preserve the special character of this beloved section of the road.

The proposed safety improvements mean some people will have to change the way they use the road in the future, but these measures will save lives.

Our team is currently developing the detailed design for the 2.5km section between Whites Road and Harwoods Road.  They are carrying out site investigations and seeking feedback on the proposed design from mana whenua, potentially affected landowners and residents, road users and the community. The information we receive will be considered as we progress the design for this section.

Find out more at SH5 Tirau to Tarukenga safety improvements

SH1 Waikato safety improvements

Flexible central and side barriers will improve safety along sections of SH1 between Piarere and Taupō. 

Works on a 4.5km section of barriers is nearly finished south of Ātiamuri, and construction will start soon on a nearby section.

The next two sections are between Piarere and Tirau. The timing of construction for these is subject to detailed design completion and negotiations for any land purchase required.

Opportunities for safety improvements on the rest of SH1 Piarere to Taupō will be investigated and constructed if and when funding becomes available.

Waka Kotahi has identified that several stretches of the 93km of SH1 from Piarere to Taupō can be made safer through installing safety barriers.

Find out more at SH1 Piarere to Taupō.

Pass it on and keep in touch

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More information

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

Or visit our Connect Rotorua website www.nzta.govt.nz/connect-rotorua

For travel planning, updates and general information visit:

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWaiBP
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)