Work has begun on stage two of the Ōmokoroa Road urbanisation project, a $13 million upgrade designed to improve accessibility, safety, and road capacity.

Council Infrastructure Growth and Delivery Manager, Annelie Badenhorst, said the upgrade is essential to support the peninsula’s rapid population growth, with an estimated 13,000 residents expected by 2050.

“Part of the project is upgrading the current two-lane road to four lanes, but we’re not just widening the road—we’re creating safer, more accessible transport options for our community,” said Badenhorst.

The project spans just over 1km from Prole Road to the railway line near Goldstone Road. Key improvements include shared cycling and walking pathways, upgraded intersections, signalised pedestrian crossings, and improved water mains and utilities. The Ōmokoroa Road and Flounder Drive intersection will be upgraded, requiring a temporary closure with a detour via Ridge Drive and Stingray Drive.

Last week, a site blessing led by Pirirakau hapū representative Maali Murphy marked the official start of construction. Higgins Contractors will carry out the work on behalf of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Badenhorst said temporary traffic management will be in place throughout construction, including lane shifts, contraflow, and stop/go controls. A reduced speed limit of 30km/h will ensure safety for both workers and road users.

“This project is a significant step in developing infrastructure that allows for future growth,” said Badenhorst. “People will really start to see progress as the new road layout takes shape.”

The project follows the completion of Stage 1 in 2022 and aligns with ongoing upgrades to Prole Road, expected to be finished by April 2025. Construction of stage two is anticipated to be completed by mid-2026.