SH2 Wainui Road to Ōpōtiki

Project update

14 October 2025

Traffic drives through Matekerepu pre construction

Matekerepu Update

Welcome to our October newsletter where you’ll find the latest information about work happening on State Highway 2 (SH2) as part of the safety improvements project between Wainui Road and Ōpōtiki.

Laying fresh asphalt

Work continues at Matekerepu

Matekerepu Roundabout is beginning to take shape, with more kerbs and traffic islands being poured. Although they may seem small, traffic islands play a big part in the safety of the road. They slow down traffic, manage traffic flow and give turning vehicles clearer guidance, reducing confusion and potential crashes. They also can hold signage or lighting poles, making them more visible without cluttering the roadside.

Fresh asphalt has been laid, providing a smoother ride for people travelling as well as making the road stronger and more durable. On the approaches to Matekerepu Bridge, ground beams are being laid along the eastern side, giving a more solid foundation to the road shoulder.

Last week, the crew were digging out sections of Wainui Road to connect the new roundabout with the existing road. This week, the crew are installing signage and laying topsoil. Step by step, all these pieces are coming together to bring the improvement closer to completion.

Please continue to follow the directions of our friendly traffic management crew and stick to all temporary speed limits. These measures are in place to keep both drivers and road workers safe. Your patience helps us get the job done faster and ensures everyone makes it home safely.

Materials being moved to create a smoother, more durable road.

Changes to traffic management

You may have noticed a change in the traffic management at Matekerepu Roundabout recently and that’s because we’re getting closer to the next stage of work – resurfacing.

Up until now, most of the work has been off to the side of the road with little impact to traffic. To enable the next stage, we’re shifting traffic so the existing road, the 3 new legs of the roundabout and the approaches to Matekerepu Bridge can be resurfaced.

As of Monday 6 October, traffic is being directed around the site under a 3-way stop/go system. During peak hours, between 7.30am to 9am, and 3.30pm to 5pm, the stop/go is being controlled manually so traffic can be managed according to real traffic queues and to reduce disruption. Outside of peak hours, the stop/ go is being controlled either by automatic traffic lights or manually depending on the activities taking place at each time.

While we complete this stage of work, delays of up to 13 minutes may be experienced. We appreciate everyone’s patience as crews work to keep people moving as smoothly and safely as possible. We advise road users to plan for delays. This traffic switch is an important milestone – one that brings us closer to safer, smoother and more reliable journeys through this area.

Progress and next steps at Ōhiwa Beach Road and Waiōtahe Back Road intersections

We’re upgrading the 2 intersections on either side of the Waiōtahe River Bridge - Ōhiwa Beach Road and Waiōtahe Valley Back Road - to make them safer. This work is part of the SH2 Wainui Road to Ōpōtiki safety improvements project. We’re currently working through the detailed design, purchasing land and getting the necessary resource consents. We’ll keep you updated as things progress.

Map of the plan for the intersections of SH2 and Ōhiwa Beach and Waiōtahe Valley Back Roads

Update on SH2 gorges

On SH2 in the Waimana Gorge, approximately 4.3km southeast of Tāneatua, works are continuing behind the scenes with the contractor ordering the specialised materials needed to repair and strengthen the slip site. Until these arrive, the road will remain down to one lane, under 24-hour stop/go traffic lights. Potential future road closures may be needed once the repair work starts and we’ll ensure this information is well communicated.

In the Waioweka Gorge, more small slips have appeared near Ōpōnae and have been added to the repair plan - there are now 5 active sites. A shoulder closure remains at each site marked with cones and a reduced speed limit of 50km/h. We expect to finish the main physical works before the Christmas break with some smaller tasks continuing into 2026. Road users should be aware of traffic management and plan for delays.

Pavement on the centre of the roundabout with machinery working to complete Matekerepu Roundabout

SH2 Matekerepu Bridge resurfacing works

Resurfacing work is planned for SH2 at the Matekerepu Bridge to help maintain a smooth and safe road surface. While the exact timings are still to be confirmed, this work will be completed at night with the road closed for a period of time. Our team will aim to minimise disruption as much as possible and information about this work will be shared well in advance through media releases and newsletters. You can find these here.

Matekerepu Roundabout before construction began

Green spaces ahead for Matekerepu Roundabout

As part of the Matekerepu Roundabout, new planting is planned to bring fresh life and colour to the area. The landscape design will feature hardy, low maintenance native greenery such as wharariki, a flax-like plant, tatarahake, a low-lying shrub and maurea, a grass-like plant. These will complement the local landscape and help create a welcoming entry point for everyone passing through.

Once planted, the greenery will soften the look of the roundabout, enhance the surrounding environment and add to the overall appeal of the area – making it not just safer to travel through but also more enjoyable.

Stay in the loop

You can stay up to date with all maintenance news in the Eastern Bay of Plenty by subscribing to the Bay of Plenty state highway maintenance programme newsletter. You can sign up on our website or by clicking here.

Thank you

We do our best to minimise impacts to people as they drive through our work site and want to thank the local community for their patience. We’re pleased to be delivering important safety improvements at the SH2 and Wainui Road intersection and looking forward to starting work on the final section in 2026.

More information

For more information on the SH2 Wainui Road to Ōpōtiki project, visit our website nzta.govt.nz/sh2-wainui-road-to-opotiki

If you have any questions, please contact us at bopprojects@nzta.govt.nz