Western Bay of Plenty District Council has welcomed news that the new four-lane expressway between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa has progressed to the next stage.

On Tuesday, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) announced that it has lodged applications for statutory approvals for Takitimu North Link Stage 2, under the Fast-track Approvals Act.

This comes as contracts are being awarded for the design of this Road of National Significance, and work is underway to refine the design where Stage 1 and 2 meet at Te Puna, helping align both stages and reduce re-work under Stage 2.

Stage 2 extends Takitimu North Link Stage 1, currently in construction between Tauranga and Te Puna, to Ōmokoroa. The project will improve reliability and resilience for those travelling through the Western Bay sub-region, particularly at Ōmokoroa, Whakamārama, Te Puna and Tauranga.

Tolling has been confirmed to support construction and maintenance costs, and funding for construction will be considered following further work in consenting and detailed design, which is currently in progress.

Existing State Highway 2 at Te Puna Quarry Road. Photo / NZTA Waka Kotahi

“This is an important milestone and brings us a step closer to safer, faster, and more reliable journeys along State Highway 2,” said Council Interim CEO Miriam Taris.

“As a growing region, it is a vital part of improving connectivity, while supporting safe and efficient transport for both residents and businesses.”

Taris said the long-awaited expressway can not come soon enough for the region, which has struggled to keep pace with rapid growth.

“Western Bay continues to be a desirable place to live, and safe, reliable roading infrastructure is an important factor in unlocking new housing, business and economic opportunities.”

Recognising the safety risks and congestion pressures faced by the community, Council had the foresight to progress the State Highway 2 Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade, currently under construction and expected to be completed by April 2026, she adds.

Existing State Highway 2 is looking towards Te Puna, with Mauao and Mount Maunganui in the distance. Photo / NZTA Waka Kotahi

The $43 million upgrade includes a new interim roundabout at the State Highway 2 Ōmokoroa Road intersection with four-lane tapers and highway improvements, four-laning on Ōmokoroa Road from SH2 to Prole Road, and a new roundabout servicing the industrial area at the future Francis Road intersection.

“The intersection upgrade is designed to help address immediate needs and bridge the gap until funding becomes available for a full interchange,” Taris said.

“It also enables us to unlock growth in Ōmokoroa — growth that would otherwise have been held back by transport challenges.

“We are already seeing strong signs of growth as a result, with several new developments coming on stream along Prole Road.”

The State Highway 2 Ōmokoroa Road intersection upgrade will also provide a vital diversion route for traffic while the expressway is under construction.

“While we don’t yet know the exact design of Takitimu North Link Stage 2 and how our interim upgrade will fit into that, we know it will play an important part in assisting traffic flow while the expressway is being built.”