Upgrades to key intersections on SH30/Te Ngae Road are proposed as part of a package of improvements to futureproof the road and support housing development in Eastern Rotorua.
The NZ Transport Agency has confirmed the preferred option for SH30/Te Ngae Road from Iles Road to Rotorua Airport. Improvements will include upgrades to intersections, a three-metre-wide shared path and on-road cycle lane, sections of four-lanes, and safety improvements such as additional pedestrian crossings.
NZTA director regional relationships, David Speirs, says the improvements will help support the development of more than 2000 homes in Eastern Rotorua.“The Eastern Corridor Stage Two project is crucial for the region and will improve safety for all road users, make intersections more efficient, support development, and provide better travel choices.”
Waka Kotahi presented its proposed improvements for the corridor to stakeholders and the community in September 2020 as part of the Stage Two Detailed Business Case. “We gained some valuable insights, which allowed us to modify some of the proposed options. As a result, the preferred option incorporates more of what the community told us they want to see.”
In July 2020, the Government confirmed $35 million through the Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund to enable the first phase of improvements to be implemented, says Speirs. “The first phase will focus on addressing the immediate needs of the corridor and supporting planned housing development near Wharenui Road.”
This includes upgrades to intersections at Basley, Brent, Owhata and Wharenui roads, a shared path and on-road cycle lane from Iles Road to Coulter Road, four-laning between Iles and Basley roads and Brent and Owhata roads, as well as safety improvements.
“Other improvements, which the business case identified are not needed immediately, will be constructed in the second and third phases of work, as they are required. This includes the upgrade to the Rotorua Airport/Eastgate Business Park intersection,” says Speirs.
The Detailed Business Case is now complete. NZTAS is currently working through the detailed design of the project. It‘s expected construction will start on minor aspects of the first phase later this year.
More details here: Eastern Corridor Stage Two and the Preferred Option
Public information days held this month
The Rotorua community is invited to learn more about key projects and plans for the city‘s transport network at public information sessions on Wednesday 24 March and Wednesday 31 March, 2021.
People will have the opportunity to learn about different projects – both on state highways and local roads – and speak to the teams involved. They will also be able to provide feedback on projects open for consultation.
People can drop in any time to one of the Rotorua Transport Info Days below:
City Centre Info Day
Wednesday 24 March, 11am to 2pm
Millennium Hotel, Mokoia Room
Eastern Rotorua Info Day
Wednesday 24 March, 3.30pm to 6.30pm
Rotorua Lakes High School
Western Rotorua Info Day
Wednesday 31 March, 3pm to 6pm
Ngongotaha Bowling Club
Some of the key projects and plans included in the info days are:
NZTA
State Highway 30A/Amohau Street Central Corridor improvements
State Highway 30/Te Ngae Road Eastern Corridor Stage One – Sala Street to Iles Road
SH30/Te Ngae Road Eastern Corridor Stage Two – Iles Road to Sala Street
State Highway 5 Tarukenga to Ngongotaha safety improvements
State Highway 33 Te Ngae Junction to Paengaroa
SH30/SH5 speed consultation
Rotorua Lakes Council
Eastside Shared Paths (Eastside session only)
Te Manawa o Owhatiura – Innovating streets for people (Eastside session only)
Safe and Sustainable Journeys – urban shared path network
Rotorua Economic Development – Destination Management Plan
Rotorua Lakes Council- 2021-2031 Long-term Plan
Bay of Plenty Regional Council – Rotorua Public Transport Review 2021
