Stage One of Ōmokoroa Road Upgrade Now Complete

The first stage of a major upgrade to Ōmokoroa Rd has been finished, with traffic management removed and a new 60km/h speed limit in place along the improved section between State Highway 2 and Prole Rd. The $13 million project, funded in part through the Government's Infrastructure Acceleration Fund — now administered by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing — widened the road from two lanes to four and delivered a new roundabout connecting to a new industrial access road.

Alongside the roading work, the project saw overhead power lines placed underground, fibre and telecommunications infrastructure upgraded, stormwater systems improved, and new centre islands, street lighting, signage and road markings installed. The works also open up access to zoned industrial land near SH2, supported by a temporary stormwater pond while a permanent solution is finalised.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council infrastructure growth and delivery manager Annelie Badenhorst said the upgrades were essential given the area's rapid population growth, and thanked residents and motorists for their patience during construction. A formal opening is being planned for coming months. Stage two of the Ōmokoroa Rd urbanisation project — running from Prole Rd to the railway line near the Ōmokoroa fire station — is continuing, with completion expected around October.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).