The installation of a median barrier on two sections of SH2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa is being re-examined by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

NZTA chief executive, Nicole Rose, said the corridor has had a significant number of deaths and serious injuries, and has increasing volumes of traffic. It is also a key corridor for communities who live along or off the state highway.

“We are seeking to strike a balance between achieving the best safety outcomes for all road users and a design that meets local trip needs,” Rose said.

“As a result of community concerns, NZTA will re-consider the options for the section of median barrier between Matahui/Lockington roundabout and Wharawhara Road, and the stretch between Apata Station Road and Morton Road, which is the longest section in the project and includes the Work Road intersection.”

The project will complete the finishing touches to the 1.4km of median barrier between Morton Road roundabout and Whatakao bridge.

NZTA will continue median barrier installation from Wright Road to Aongatete bridge. This will mean Wright Road and Dawson Road will become left-in left-out (with a roundabout at Matahui/Lockington roads – approximately 1.2km distance from Wright Road).

“NZTA is looking at ways we can continue to deliver safety benefits while meeting the community’s concerns,” Rosie said.

“As part of this, we will also look at the speed limit for this stretch, which will depend on the safety improvements installed.”

The current phase of works, installing median barriers and safe turnaround points (roundabouts), is 75% complete, with four of six roundabouts built, and the fifth in construction at Apata Station Road.

Changes to the overall design of the safety improvements have been made throughout the project and NZTA continues to consider the concerns raised by the community with the current design. NZTA will update the community following the re-examination process, which will take several weeks.