Kia ora koutou katoa

Welcome to the autumn 2022 edition of Connect Rotorua. This newsletter is our place to share information and updates about Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency projects being planned or underway in the Rotorua Lakes District.

Connect Rotorua is a programme of work to improve Rotorua’s transport network. We’re creating a safe and sustainable network to support your community wellbeing and make daily journeys more enjoyable.

nzta.govt.nz/connect-rotorua

Celebrating infrastructure upgrades in Rotorua

In late February, Transport Minister Michael Wood acknowledged Ngāti Hurungaterangi, Ngāti Te Roro o Te Rangi/Ngāti Uenukukōpako, Ngāti Tura - Ngāti Te Ngākau, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Rotorua Lakes Council, project partners and key stakeholders at an event to celebrate safe and connected communities, and the completion of two significant transport projects for the city: SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage One and SH5 Tarukenga to Ngongotahā.

Find out more

SH33 final sections in construction

SH33 safety improvements

We’ve been making the road between Paengaroa and Rotorua safer; protecting people from roadside hazards by removing them or installing barriers, providing more room by adding a wide centreline and wider shoulders, making it safer to pass slower vehicles and giving a wake-up call if someone strays across the line. We’ve also set safer speed limits and installed new signs and line markings. This is all part of our plan to make this road safer, for all road users, as part of Road to Zero.

We’re now working to upgrade the last sections, either side of the Pareteriro Sun Valley Curves. Although facing some supply issues and challenges with COVID-19, we’re scheduled to finish in the 2022/2023 construction season.

nzta.govt.nz/tnj2p

SH33 shared path near Whangamarino School

Ōkere Falls to Hamurana Road lakeside pathway

The end is in sight. We’re getting closer to completing the 3km shared path between Ōkere Falls and Hamurana Road, including four pedestrian islands, so people can safely enjoy walking or biking alongside the lake. The recent wet weather has slowed some work down however it will be completed later in April. 

Other good news we can share is we have funding to finish the short section of shared path between Hamurana Road and the Mourea Bridge, at the Ohau Channel. Our contractor, Downer, will get on to this section around May 2022.

Like many other workforces, we are dealing with team members isolating or as household contacts from COVID-19. Waka Kotahi takes seriously our responsibilities for the safety of our staff, contractors, and members of the public. All worksites have comprehensive COVID-19 protocols and work plans in place for the various settings and phases, which are strictly adhered to. 

Our contractors have also planned to make sure work can continue, however, there may be some disruption. We thank you for your patience and look forward to updating you closer to completion of the shared path.

Shared path map

SH30 service location and investigation underway

Moving on – investigative works on SH30/Te Ngae Road underway

We’ve been carrying out investigative works to confirm the locations of underground services, including power, water and fibre between Iles and Basley roads. In this area, these works are now complete and the team will be moving along the corridor between Basley and Coulter Roads. Temporary traffic management will be in place.

These works will inform the next steps of Phase One of the Eastern Corridor – Stage Two, Phase One project which includes the section of SH30/Te Ngae Road from Iles Road to Coulter Road. Enabling works are expected to begin between Iles and Basley roads in April 2022. In the first months, excavations will be taking place, first in the berm and footpath to relocate services and underground existing overhead power cables, to enable road widening.

The project addresses safety and connectivity, while accommodating for future growth and providing better travel choices.

Find out more about the upgrade at nzta.govt.nz/eastern-corridor-stage2

Ngongotahā roundabout

New lights at the SH5/SH36 Ngongotahā roundabout

Next week, the traffic lights on SH5 for traffic approaching the SH5/SH36 Ngongotahā roundabout from Tirau/Hamilton will be upgraded, to help improve traffic flow. The traffic lights will be phased to ease queues on SH36 when it is busy – predominantly during the weekday morning peak. The lights will only operate when traffic queues activate the metering. When this happens, the lights will turn amber then red to stop the vehicles, allowing traffic from the busiest road to enter the roundabout. The traffic lights will have amber and red lights – no green. Standard give way rules still apply when entering the roundabout.

Road widening and barrier installation on SH5 have been completed between the SH5/SH36 Ngongotahā roundabout and Dalbeth Road. Road widening is also complete between Dalbeth Road and just north of the golf course and remaining barrier installation is underway. Traffic management will be in place. These works are expected to be complete in April 2022. 

nzta.govt.nz/t2n