The intersection of State Highway 2 and Wainui Road will be made safer and more efficient for vehicles and freight with the construction of a new and long-awaited roundabout, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop.

Construction of the roundabout, which is expected to cost about $10 million from business case to completion, is due to start in April and will take approximately 12 months to complete.

Mr Bishop said the current intersection of SH2 and Wainui Road was on a sweeping bend with limited visibility.

“There were nine crashes at this intersection between 2014 and 2023, three of them were injury crashes, one of which was serious.

“Construction of a roundabout here will make a real difference to the safe and efficient travel of local road users,” he said.

“Delivering safe roading infrastructure that supports economic growth and productivity is a priority. SH2 between Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne is a main route for locals, tourists, and freight between Tauranga and Gisborne.

“Around 5000 per day vehicles use SH2 between Ōpōtiki and Wainui Road, with 15 percent heavy vehicles.”

Mr Bishop said the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme prioritised investment in road safety and efficiency by encouraging safer driving behaviour, vehicles and infrastructure.

Funding was available for improvements at the highest-risk locations, which included the intersection between SH2 and Wainui Road.

The new roundabout would complement a raft of improvements already completed in the area, such as road widening, side barrier installation, and line marking.