SH2 works years from complete

It’s the roadworks that have had Western Bay of Plenty motorists frustrated and delayed for weeks on end – and Waka Kotahi know it. So when will the roadworks be completely over and done with for State Highway 2 motorists?

Waka Kotahi’s regional manager of maintenance and operations Rob Campbell says the projects underway on SH2 between Waihī and Tauranga are to make this stretch of road safer, improve access and to provide more reliable travel times for people. “By creating a safer corridor we not only make sure people get home safely but also lower the risk and frequency of accidents that can close the highway for many hours.”

Motorists fed up

But for the people on the road to get there –they are fed up. Motorist Cheryl Southorn, who travels into Tauranga City from Whakamārama, is frustrated by the project’s tra c delays. “I mean you just crawl. I come out of Barret Rd and that’s when you start crawling onto the highway… people let me in to go. It’s just so frustrating. “You’re barely moving, and you know to put up with it twice-a-day is just ridiculous.”

One part of the SH2 works is the Wairoa River Bridge resurfacing and cycleway project.

Rob says NZTA was due to complete resurfacing on SH2 at Wairoa River Bridge on June 14 –weather dependent – with work taking place between 8pm and 5am each night. “Stop/Go tra c management and temporary speed limits in place.” e Wairoa Cycleway itself is expected to be complete a few months later, according to a Tauranga City Council spokesperson: “Weather dependent, works on the cycleway will be nished in August.” e Weekend Sun also asked Waka Kotahi whether more roadworks are being done on stretches of SH2 between Waihi and Tauranga, and what date all the resurfacing works will be complete.

“ ere is a lot to do across this stretch of SH2.

“ e safety improvements between Waihi and Ōmokoroa are estimated to be completed in 2026.

“ e Takitimu North Link Stage One project, which will help provide a solution for part of this route by catering for growing demand and improving safety and reliability, is estimated to be completed mid-2027.”

Waiting game

For now, it seems the waiting game and tra c back-ups will continue for SH2 motorists. Rob says Waka

Kotahi appreciates no-one likes to be delayed by tra c congestion.

“Any work on or near this heavilytra cked road impacts tra c ow but our team works hard to reduce the impact on tra c as much as possible, for example by completing works at night and ensuring work is communicated in good time enabling people to make decisions about their travel.” e All Blacks return to the Bay of Plenty as part of their preparations for this year’s Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship.

A rare chance to watch the All Blacks train in public in Tauranga is happening next Friday, June 23.

As they did in 2022, the team will hold a public training session at Blake Park during what will be the rst squad gathering of the year.

“ is is a massive year for the team,” said All Blacks coach Ian Foster. “It is a privilege to be able to take part of our build-up to Mount Maunganui where we enjoyed our time last year.

“I look forward to catching up with fans there again.”