The second phase of road widening at the temporary State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Rd roundabout is about to start.

The northbound lane on the Tauranga side of the roundabout will be shifted towards the centre of the road, creating a space to the left for further road widening.

While this configuration is in place, Youngson Rd will be closed to vehicles both entering and exiting State Highway 2, and detours will be in place, a statement from the Western Bay of Plenty District Council said.

A map showing the detour route for the Youngson Rd closure. Image / Tauranga City Council

“This work is scheduled to start on Sunday, August 31, and is likely to take up to six weeks.

“The current widening works are paving the way for the future four-lane layout of the State Highway 2 Ōmokoroa Rd intersection upgrade, which is due to be completed in mid-2026.”

The council said the upgrade is a minimum 10-year interim solution to address the immediate needs of the intersection, until funding becomes available to build a full interchange."

Once completed, it will include:

– a new interim roundabout at the State Highway 2 Ōmokoroa Rd intersection with four-lane tapers and highway improvements

– four-laning on Ōmokoroa Rd from SH2 to Prole Rd

– a new roundabout, servicing the industrial area, at the future Francis Rd intersection.

For more information on the State Highway 2 Ōmokoroa Rd intersection upgrade visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/state-highway-2-omokoroa-road-intersection-upgrade