Work is set to begin on a new roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 2 (SH2) and Wainui Road in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

The project promises to significantly improve road users' safety and efficiency in the region.

The site, locally known as Matekerepu and located between Awakeri and Ōpōtiki, has long been identified as a safety concern, particularly for freight and heavy vehicles navigating the area.

Construction on the long-anticipated roundabout is scheduled to commence in late April or early May, and is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete.

Once finished, the roundabout will complement several other safety upgrades already completed in the area, including road widening, new side barriers, and updated line markings.

Enabling works to prepare the site have been carried out in recent weeks, with vegetation clearing and other preliminary steps set to continue in the coming days.

As construction ramps up, motorists are advised to expect delays.

Traffic management systems and temporary speed limits are being introduced to ensure the safety of both road users and work crews.

The importance of the project was underscored by a blessing held at the site last week, led by local iwi Te Ūpokorehe, marking the cultural and community significance of the development.

Elsewhere in the Bay of Plenty, major infrastructure work continues across the region:

In Tauranga, the Takitimu North Link project is progressing with major works around SH2 and Fifteenth Avenue, including constructing a 120-metre retaining wall and a single-lane bridge.

One lane near Edgecumbe Road will remain closed until mid-2026. The on-ramp to SH2 from the Takitimu Drive Toll Road is closed until 13 April, with detours via Elizabeth Street and Cameron Road.

SH29 also sees extensive activity, including drainage and resurfacing works in the Kaimai Range and road surfacing near McLaren Falls Road.

Multiple sites in Tauriko are under active construction, with various speed restrictions and lane closures.

Resurfacing night works on SH2 Hewletts Road in Tauranga will continue into next week, with closures scheduled between 7pm and 5am.

A detour will be available via Newton Road and Concord Ave.

On the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, traffic remains reduced to a single lane in each direction near the Pāpāmoa East Interchange, with a temporary 70km/h limit in place.

Further afield, works continue throughout the Western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, and Eastern Bay of Plenty, including rebuilding SH2 Turners Road, surfacing works near Ōmokoroa, and slip repairs along SH35.

Maintenance work will also see the temporary closure of the Pekatahi Bridge from 14 to 16 April.

Motorists across the region are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel while these vital improvements are underway.