Project introduction

Waka Kotahi has several projects underway on State Highway 2 between Waihī and Tauranga to make this corridor safer and more efficient. Here you’ll find information about the various projects and other relevant topics.

  • Estimated project cost

    $1 billion
  • Project type

    Road improvements, Safety improvements

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Safety boost to State Highway 2

We are making State Highway 2 (SH2) between Waihī and Ōmokoroa safer with the installation of flexible median barriers and six additional intersection (roundabout) upgrades.

These will be installed between Tetley Road and Esdaile Road as part of our Road to Zero strategy.

The inclusion of flexible median barrier was proposed early on as a safety enhancement to the current widening works and has undergone several stages of public consultation.

We are currently constructing at SH2/Rea Road/Tetley Road intersection which includes slow vehicle passing bays on exiting SH2 northbound and southbound. To read more about this work see our most recent update.

A second roundabout at Morton Road intersection is in the design stage with construction expected to begin mid-2022.

There is a lot to do across this stretch of SH2 and we cannot do it all at once. This rapidly growing region is undergoing significant investment, and it will take us time to implement all that is needed.

Related projects and topics

Katikati bypass

When considered against national priorities and considering the forecast impact of the Waikato Expressway on movements between Auckland and Tauranga, the bypass does not meet the threshold for funding in the Waka Kotahi 10-year plan.

When the Waikato Expressway is completed, Waka Kotahi expects this to be used as the preferred route when travelling between Auckland and Tauranga. While there will be peak travel during holiday periods experienced in Katikati, the day to day traffic for inter-regional journeys is expected to lessen.  

Waka Kotahi will retain the existing designation to futureproof the Western Bay of Plenty transport network and continue to work with Western Bay of Plenty District Council, the Katikati Community Board and stakeholders to help build a vision for the future of the Katikati township and build the town centre plans.