SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa

Project Update

1 December 2023

Sharp Road roundabout construction with centre island curb concreting underway.

On the home stretch at SH2 Lockington / Matahui roads roundabout

It’s been a hive of activity at our State Highway 2 (SH2) Lockington / Matahui roads roundabout site as we near completion and make the most of some very mixed weather conditions. We have now completed the bulk of the work required to make this roundabout operational, with the exception of a few minor tasks. The second coat chipsealing, required to enhance waterproofing of the pavements, will be completed once weather conditions settle.

This is the third of six intersection improvements to be constructed in this phase of the project.

We want to take a moment to give a big shout out to all those who travelled through the site during that time and gave our workers on the ground a wave, and a smile. It is small gestures like this that make our day!

Work at the fourth roundabout at Sharp Road intersection continues with completion expected by mid-2024. Intersection crashes are the cause of one in four deaths and serious injuries on this section of SH2, and roundabouts and flexible median barrier will significantly reduce the risk of crashes by making it easier for traffic from side roads to access the highway. Roundabouts are being built ahead of the installation of 14km flexible median barrier between Katikati and Ōmokoroa, making SH2 safer for everyone.

Sharp Road Roundabout (north bound lane) with curb complete and earthworks underway for berm drainage ditch.

Project staff being put through safety training.

Safety first

Did you know that traffic management staff have one of the most dangerous jobs in the business due to their proximity to live traffic lanes?

Workplace safety is hugely important in the construction industry, and always at the front of mind for our crews working on this section of SH2.

All traffic staff go through full training before starting on the job including setting up sites, staying safe around live traffic, navigating work site locations, placement of signs and traffic setups. This helps streamline our safety practices on site.

HEB Construction manager Morgan Walsh says, “Training is one of our biggest focus areas for keeping high standards for safety on site. Training and upskilling staff is a constant process on the project – it’s not just about the training our team for the job they do, it’s getting them thinking about the risk and preventing incidents before they happen.”

This month the team has undertaken a wide variety of training including working in confined spaces, fire safety training and general first aid training.

The team learn practical skills at fire safety training on how to put out a real fire with two different types of fire extinguisher, and with a blanket or jacket. This doesn’t just get the team thinking about the basics of putting out a fire, but also what to do if things don’t go as planned.

Summer has arrived

Over the coming months alongside some of our big projects there will also be road renewal work such as chipsealing and asphalting happening across our region. In total there will be more than 20 lane kilometres of new road surface laid before the end of summer.

Work has been planned to minimise delays, however given the volume of work, there are few sections of the network where people will experience some sort of disruption. It’s important during the summer when you may be travelling more to see family and friends, or head away on holiday, to take a moment and factor in extra time for your journey, to ensure you arrive at your destination on time.

You’ll see crews north of Katikati in early December, resealing during the day. They will then return from mid-January 2024 to reseal between Katikati and Tauranga, working at night.

During work hours stop/go traffic management will be in place. Temporary speed limits will remain in place for 48 hours after the new seal is applied. Please drive to the posted speed limit to help the surface bed in, and to avoid any unnecessary damage to the paintwork of your car.

The Waka Kotahi Journey Planner is the best place for information on the status of the state highway network. With live updates on worksites and other road hazards, Journey Planner can help road users plot the best route to their destination.

Early works to begin on State Highway 2 Ōmokoroa Road intersection

Tree felling and site clearing have begun around the State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection.

This early work beginning from Monday 4 December marks the start of Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s State Highway 2 Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade.

Read more here.

More information

For more information on the SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa safety improvements, contact us at bopprojects@nzta.govt.nz.

You can also visit our website at www.nzta.govt.nz/sh2-waihi-to-tauranga-corridor