Updated December 2020
What is the Central Corridor?
The Central Corridor refers to State Highway 30A/Amohau Street, which runs through Rotorua’s city centre, from Old Taupō Road to Sala Street.
Why is this work taking place?
The Central Corridor project will help improve access, increase safety, and create further opportunities for multi-modal travel – supporting the revitalisation of the city centre.
The corridor is a busy road currently used primarily for local trips – as opposed to regional journeys which is a state highway’s purpose. It is also a barrier to the Rotorua Central Mall and the rest of the Central Business District for cyclists, pedestrians and other multi-modal users.
Although there are pedestrian crossing facilities at most intersections, the high traffic volumes, long crossing distances and significant pedestrian delays create issues for pedestrians
The design includes a new shared path on both sides of the road, safety improvements to key intersections such as SH30A/Pukuatua Street, new signalised pedestrian crossings and upgrading existing crossing points.
Why is ownership of the road being given to Rotorua Lakes Council?
State Highway 30A originally formed a bypass around the southern extent of the ‘traditional’ city centre. Following development of commercial areas to the south of SH30A, the corridor now bisects the city centre, forming a disconnect between the original city centre and the retail developments located on the southern city fringe.
In November 2015, Council formally requested ownership of SH30A/Amohau Street from Waka Kotahi. In February 2016 the Board approved the revocation of SH30A. Waka Kotahi and Council have been working together to adapt the Central Corridor to support its future local road function and the city centre revitalisation.
What engagement or consultation has occurred?
Waka Kotahi has worked with Rotorua Lakes Council, stakeholders, directly affected businesses and property owners, and the general public to plan the improvements for SH30A/Amohau Street.
This included a technical advisory group made up of key stakeholders. In 2017 we held public open days to present a shortlist of options to the community and gather their feedback. This helped us determine a preferred option. In 2019, part way through the detailed design phase, we held information sessions to check in with the community again on the proposed design and heair their thoughts.
Feedback received has influenced the final design.
When will construction begin?
Construction is subject to funding and will likely begin between late-2021 and early-2022.
What is the cost of the improvements?
The cost of the total improvements is approximately $22 million. Funding has not been confirmed.
Why are the slip lanes at Old Taupō Road and Hinemaru Street being removed?
Both slip lanes are being removed for safety reasons. Slip lanes encourage higher speeds through intersections which often come at the expense of safety for pedestrians and other vulnerable users. The slip lane at Old Taupō Road is being removed due to concerns about the speed of vehicles that travel past Rotorua Boys’ High School and issues with merging vehicles. In place of the current slip lane we are building a new left-turn lane at this location, separate from the traffic light intersection, which will be controlled by a give way. The slip lane at Hinemaru Street is being removed to reduce the conflict with the new pedestrian crossing and shared path at this intersection. Again, a new left turn option will be controlled by a give way sign.
Will the improvements result in slower travel times for vehicles?
Key objectives of this project include making the city centre safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and other alternative transport users, as well as preparing the corridor for its future function as a local road, instead of a state highway. This shift in priorities will likely result in slower travel for vehicles.
What is planned for the SH30A/Pukuatua Street intersection?
This intersection will be left in/left out only as a result of the solid median being installed. There has been a higher crash rate at this intersection as a result of the right turn options, including a serious incident last year. Right turning traffic can instead travel down Ranolf Street and turn right onto Amohau Street. This option is a similar distance but much safer.
Will parking be removed?
Yes, some parking on the southern side of Amohau Street, between Amohia and Tutanekai streets, is being removed to make space for the new on-road cycle lanes. Originally, it was proposed that parking from both sides of the road be removed, however based on feedback from retailers we retained parking on the northern side.
