Two Tear-Drop Roundabouts Coming to SH2 Waiotahe River Area to Boost Safety

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has approved critical funding for major road safety upgrades near Ōpōtiki, with the construction of two new tear-drop roundabouts set to significantly reduce traffic risks on State Highway 2 (SH2). These upgrades are part of the wider SH2 Wainui Road to Ōpōtiki safety improvements project and mark a vital step forward in delivering safer and more efficient travel along one of the East Coast’s most vital corridors.

High-Risk Intersections to Be Transformed

The intersections at Ōhiwa Beach Road and Waiotahe Valley Back Road — located on either side of the Waiotahe River Bridge — have long been considered dangerous due to their placement on a sweeping curve, poor visibility, and narrow shoulders. Between 2014 and 2023, the area witnessed two fatalities, one serious injury, and three minor injuries, underlining the urgency for intervention.

Minister of Transport Chris Bishop emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “Delivering safe roading infrastructure that supports economic growth and productivity is a priority. The SH2 route is a lifeline for locals, tourists, and freight moving between Tauranga and Gisborne.”

With an average of 5,000 vehicles per day — including a significant 15 percent heavy vehicle share — this section of SH2 is a vital economic and social artery for the Bay of Plenty region.

Design and Construction Plans

NZTA’s approved funding will now allow the agency to move forward with completing the detailed design, obtaining necessary land, securing resource consents, and appointing a contractor for the project. The two roundabouts will replace the existing T-intersections and be designed in a “tear-drop” shape to maintain traffic flow while enhancing safety, particularly for vehicles turning onto or off SH2.

Construction is slated to begin between mid and late 2026, with a timeline of approximately 12 months to complete both roundabouts. The total projected cost of the work is around $10 million, though exact figures will be finalized once the contracting process concludes.

A Part of a Broader Road Safety Initiative

This project is not happening in isolation. It complements the ongoing construction of a new roundabout at the SH2 and Wainui Road intersection — another high-traffic point along the corridor. Together, these upgrades form a broader road safety and efficiency initiative to modernize SH2 and reduce the risk of crashes and congestion.

Minor realignment of the road and other related works will also be part of the broader upgrade. These interventions aim to correct visibility issues and provide safer turning bays, addressing long-standing concerns raised by local residents and road users.

Community Support and Forward Momentum

The announcement was met with cautious optimism from community stakeholders, many of whom have long advocated for safety measures on SH2. Minister Bishop expressed gratitude to the public for their patience and continued support, acknowledging that construction disruptions will be inevitable but necessary for long-term safety benefits.

“I want to thank the local community in advance for their patience as this important work to make SH2 safer is carried out, and I look forward to this work beginning as soon as NZTA is able to get underway,” Bishop stated.

As the planning process accelerates, the community and road users can expect updates on traffic management, timelines, and construction impacts as the project milestones are reached.