Safety improvements are set to be made at a high-risk intersection on State Highway 2.
The Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced plans to construct a new roundabout at the intersection of SH2 and Wainui Road in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. The current intersection has seen nine crashes between 2014 and 2023, with three resulting in injuries. The roundabout is expected to reduce the risk of accidents due to its improved visibility and design.
Construction on the $10 million project is set to begin in April and will take approximately 12 months to complete. It forms part of the National Land Transport Programme's focus on road safety and efficiency. The intersection is a critical route for locals, tourists, and freight, with around 5,000 vehicles using it daily.
Mr Bishop thanked the local community for their patience during the construction phase, which will be carried out as soon as possible. The roundabout will complement existing improvements in the area and support economic growth by making travel safer and more efficient.