Updated July 2023
Download a printable version of the FAQs [PDF, 418 KB]
When did construction start and how long will it take?
Work started in October 2022 and is scheduled to finish in September this year (2023).
Why is it taking so long?
The site is complex. We’ve worked closely with consultants and contractors to explore alternative designs, construction and traffic management options to ensure we got the best outcome while balancing safety for those working on site against the needs of the travelling public.
While this pushed back the start date for the on-road works, the offline works continued.
Despite one of the wettest construction seasons on record the contractors have eased the weather-related delays by focussing their efforts on areas where they could still be productive.
They are now doing all that they can to accelerate the programme to complete the works, while maintaining safe driving and safe working conditions.
What’s happening now?
We are building the new roundabout, kerbs and traffic island and laying the new road surface. We will then install the roadside barriers, streetlighting, signage and road markings. We expect this to take four months from late May (weather dependent).
What’s been done already?
We first located and protected services, and then moved any which needed to be. We cleared trees and vegetation that needed to be moved. The next steps involved earthworks to widen the road for the roundabout, drainage works and building a retaining wall to support the roundabout.
How will this affect me?
While the roundabout is being built, only one lane of traffic can move through the site at a time. This means people travelling through the intersection should expect significant delays - up to 30 minutes at peak times and minor delays at all other times. Weekend and public holiday traffic flows vary and can also see significant delays. Plan your journey to take this into account.
We recognise that the delays and congestion are significant at times and can be frustrating and we thank drivers for their patience while this vital work is underway.
At any time, you can check for up-to-date traffic information, including travel times, on our Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website.
Waka Kotahi Journey Planner (external link)
Please drive with care as new road layout and traffic management arrangements will change as work progresses.
To complete the work as soon as possible, there will be periods of extended workdays, working into the night.
Why are there such long delays?
With only one lane available for traffic at a time, delays are inevitable. During peak hours traffic control is manual Stop/Go paddles, and out of peak hours traffic lights operate. This is aimed at reducing the delays. However, peak hours are variable and traffic flows also vary day to day.
We are continually assessing traffic flows and adjusting the traffic management to improve transition time between lights and manual control. Regardless, delays will occur, and you should expect significant delays at peak times and shorter delays throughout the day.
Are there any detours?
We recommend that anyone driving light vehicles to/from SH33 consider using Hamurana Road to bypass the worksite during peak times. We recognise that’s not possible for many.
There are no heavy vehicle detours available.
People on bikes travelling north can use the new Rangiteaorere Road cycle bypass. (This is not available to any other vehicles.)
Repair works are underway on SH30 Rotomā with some restrictions in place.
Before you travel, we suggest you check for up-to-date traffic information, including travel times and alternative routes, on our Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website.
Waka Kotahi Journey Planner (external link)
How are you making this intersection safer?
Most of the crashes at this intersection are caused by vehicles turning right, cars travelling too fast and poor visibility.
To make it safer, we are building a roundabout to slow down traffic and make it easier for people to turn at the Whakatāne turn-off. We are also creating a new right turn bay at the SH30/Rangiteaorere Road intersection so it’s safer for residents and to get to Mātaikōtare Marae.
Other safety improvements include:
- Bypass for people on bikes – Rangiteaorere Road will be used for people heading north on bikes, safely separating them from vehicles at the roundabout.
- Roadside safety barriers – we’re upgrading the roadside barriers around the roundabout, to protect people from roadside hazards including the Waiohewa Stream
- Retaining wall – to support the roundabout construction to the west of the intersection and reduce impact on nearby properties.
Will the SH30 and SH33 remain open to vehicles while work is underway?
Yes, the state highways and Rangiteaorere Road will remain open to vehicles during construction. There will be disruption and temporary traffic management in place for the safety of both road workers and road users.
Rangiteaorere Road is only available as a through lane to people riding bicycles. Access to all houses and Mātaikōtare Marae is maintained.
SH30 Rotomā has suffered from slips and restrictions may apply.
Check our Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website for closures and restrictions.
Waka Kotahi Journey Planner(external link)
How will people who ride bikes or walk/jog be able to travel while work is underway?
People riding bikes north can use Rangiteaorere Road which now has a new exit onto SH33. This safely separates them from vehicles at the roundabout.
Where the shoulder is closed during construction, those heading south or east on bikes will merge with vehicular traffic. The reduced vehicle speeds as you approach the intersection will make it safer for cyclists. All road users should be prepared to share the road. However, if you feel unsafe, please make yourself known to the team on site.
Why are you working through winter, will this compromise the quality of the roundabout?
We know stakeholders and the community want the project completed as quickly as possible, so we are working through winter - while balancing traffic demands and minimising delays. We have a robust quality assurance process and have chosen construction methods and materials, taking the winter conditions into consideration.
This work was meant to be finished by now – why hasn’t it?
The intersection is complex with three entry/exit points and limited space to work within. We worked closely with consultants and contractors to explore alternative designs, construction and traffic management options to ensure we got the best outcome while balancing safety for those working on site against the needs of the travelling public. This pushed back the start date for the on-road construction period to May 2023. Prior to this offline works continued while all options were considered.
Why are you making these safety improvements?
The Waka Kotahi Speed and Infrastructure Programme is delivering proven safety improvements on our highest risk intersections and state highways across New Zealand. Aligned to New Zealand’s Road Safety Strategy, Road to Zero 2020 – 2030, the Speed and Infrastructure Programme aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. The Speed and Infrastructure Programme focuses on safe roads and roadsides, safe and appropriate speeds, and safe level crossings.
The SH30/SH33 Te Ngae Junction (Whakatāne turnoff) has been identified as a high-risk rural road which can be made safer. It sits on the preferred route between Rotorua and Tauranga and is a key turning point for travellers from Rotorua and the central North Island area heading east towards Whakatāne via SH30 or staying on SH33 travelling northwards towards Tauranga.
The safety improvements we are making will save lives, by slowing vehicles speeds, reducing the severity of head- on and side impact crashes if they do occur and making it safer for vehicles to turn.
Why a roundabout?
When people approach roundabouts, they have to reduce their speed to navigate the intersection. This allows traffic from side roads to turn safely. They also significantly reduce head-on and side impact crashes.
How much will the new roundabout cost?
Waka Kotahi is investing $6.4 million to make this intersection safer.
Will access to the Mātaikōtare Marae be affected?
We are creating a new right turn bay at the SH30/Rangiteaorere Road intersection so it’s safer to get to Mātaikōtare Marae.
Who have you consulted with as part of this process?
Waka Kotahi has worked closely with representatives from Ngāti Rangiteaorere, Ngāti Tuteniu and Uenukukōpako throughout the design process.
We have also spoken to local residents and landowners affected by this project, the local Rotorua Cycling group, freight organisations including Rotorua Forest Haulage, Freight Transport Association and Heavy Haulage Association, Rotorua Lakes Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
What other safety improvement works are underway on SH33?
The SH30/33 Te Ngae Junction is at the southern end of a 34km length safety project currently underway on SH33 from the Te Ngae Junction to Paengaroa. The safety improvements include a wide centreline to increase the distance between oncoming traffic, widening and sealing roadside shoulders to provide extra room and installing roadside barriers at high-risk locations. This project is expected to be completed later in 2023.
For more information visit the SH30-33 Te Ngae Junction project page.
What’s happening with the speed review for SH30 Tikitere to Whakatāne?
We expect to make an announcement on the speed review in mid 2023, with safer speeds in place soon after.
Together, safety improvements in speed and infrastructure will save lives and reduce the number of people seriously injured. Combined, they are an important part of Road to Zero, Aotearoa New Zealand’s road safety strategy.
For more information visit SH30 Tikitere to Whakatāne speed review project page.
SH30 Tikitere to Whakatāne speed review
What will happen to the intersection speed zone?
In 2021, an Intersection Speed Zone (ISZ) was installed as an interim safety measure at this intersection. Now that a long-term solution has been confirmed and funded, the ISZ has been removed while Waka Kotahi builds the new roundabout at this intersection.
Will the roundabout allow for large trucks?
Yes, the minimalist approach of a single lane roundabout with a 36m outside diameter will be the minimum to enable the turning of a high productivity motor vehicle (HPMV) 25m truck-trailer unit. (HPMV – exceeds 44,000kg and/or the maximum length dimensions)
How will I know if my land is affected?
We have been in contact with any landowners affected by this project and will continue to keep them updated throughout the project.
