Road users will see increased activity on State Highway 2 south of Waihi from next week as the NZ Transport Agency kicks off its annual road maintenance programme for the area.

Bay of Plenty system manager Rob Campbell said weather permitting, from Monday 28 September road rehabilitation works will be undertaken in the first section of the Waihi to Omokoroa safety improvements project, which was completed late last year. 

“The Waihi to Omokoroa project is focused on safety improvements such as road widening, installing safety barriers and making intersections safer. Our maintenance teams then come through to do rehabilitation works to improve the road surface,” Campbell said.

“We will be carrying out complete reconstruction of the road surface which means the site will have one lane closed during the works with a temporary speed limit of 30kph while contractors are on site.

“This work will also address any pothole issues that have formed over time. “

Works will occur between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and traffic management will operate 24 hours a day to ensure safe speeds are managed through the worksite.

While the NZTA tries to align safety improvements with road maintenance, this is not always possible. Warmer spring and summer months are the best time for resurfacing works as daylight hours are longer and the warmer temperatures and dry air help the new seal stick to the road surface.

“SH2 is a busy commuter, agribusiness, horticulture, freight and tourism route and the NZTA is committed to ensuring the state highways remain safe and resilient,” Campbell said.

“While we try to keep inconveniences and delays to a minimum, we urge people to plan their journeys and allow for some delays from road works. We want to keep everyone safe when driving through road work sites, and that includes our road workers.

“Remember to slow down, obey any temporary speed limits, leave space and be patient.”

Waihi to Omokoroa safety improvements project

The Waihi to Omokoroa safety improvements commenced in 2018 with works expected to be completed in 2024. The following sections are currently in progress, or starting soon:

• Section 2/3 – Trig Road to Mathers Road/Mathers Road to Athenree Gorge (mid-2019 to mid-2021).

• Section 6 – Kauri Point Road to Lindemann Road (late 2020 to late 2021).

• Section 7 – Wharawhara Road to Sharp Road (mid-2019 to late 2020).

• Section 8 – Thompsons Track Road to Sargent Road (commencing late 2020/early 2021).

• Section 10 – Wainui South Road to Esdaile Road (late 2020 to late 2021).