Traffic Moves Onto New Twin Roundabouts Near Ōpōtiki

Traffic has moved onto two new teardrop roundabouts on State Highway 2 near Ōpōtiki, marking a major milestone in the Wainui Road to Ōpōtiki safety improvements project.

The roundabouts are located at the SH2 intersections with Ōhiwa Beach Road and Waiōtahe Valley Back Road, on either side of the Waiōtahe River Bridge.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says the new layout will make it safer for motorists to enter and exit the highway by eliminating the need to turn right directly across SH2 traffic.

Project Sponsor Adrian Jones said the opening of the roundabouts is an important milestone.

“It’s great to reach the point where people can start using the new roundabouts and experience how the new layout works,” Jones said.

“These intersections sit on an important state highway connection, and the improvements are about making them safer and easier to navigate.”

He urged motorists to slow down, follow signage, and take extra care as they adjust to the new road layout.

“We’re asking everyone to slow down, follow the signs and take extra care as people get used to travelling through the roundabouts.”

The biggest change affects drivers turning right from Ōhiwa Beach Road and Waiōtahe Valley Back Road.

Instead of turning directly onto SH2, motorists must turn left and travel across the Waiōtahe River Bridge to the other roundabout, where they can safely change direction.

New signs have been installed to guide drivers through the intersections.

The improvements follow a history of serious crashes at the two intersections.

Between 2014 and 2023, two people were killed, and four others suffered injuries ranging from serious to minor.

Jones said the changes will provide important safety benefits for the region, particularly ahead of the summer holiday period.

“SH2 is an important connection for communities, businesses and freight across the region and it’s great to get these safety benefits in place ahead of summer when there are typically more people enjoying the East Coast,” he said.

“These improvements will provide a safer and more resilient journey for everyone who relies on this route.”

He also thanked the community and road users for their patience while construction has been underway.

Although traffic is now using the new roundabouts, work on the project is not yet complete.

Temporary speed limits and traffic management will remain in place while crews finish construction around the intersections.

Motorists are being advised to allow extra travel time, reduce their speed and follow all signs and instructions when passing through the worksite.

“We’d like to thank the community and road users for their patience while this work has been underway," said Jones.

The roundabouts are part of the wider SH2 Wainui Road to Ōpōtiki safety improvements project, which aims to make travel along the eastern Bay of Plenty route safer and more reliable.