The seventh and final roundabout to be delivered as part of the State Highway 2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa Safety Improvements Programme is underway.

Once complete, the roundabout will mark the final major intersection upgrade on the corridor, Waka Kotahi New Transport Agency said in its September 2026 SH2 Corridor update.

“Crews are currently carrying out road construction, drainage, utility relocation and lighting works, while also preparing the foundations for the next stages of the roundabout build.

“Recent progress has included completing key sections of drainage infrastructure, road foundation work and traffic shifts to enable construction to safely continue.”

To keep traffic moving during construction, vehicles had been shifted onto a temporary road layout on the western side of the work site.

Traffic remained open in both directions; however, right-turn bays were unavailable while this stage of work was underway. Drivers may also encounter occasional stop/go traffic management as construction activities progress.

These traffic changes would remain in place in coming months as work continued, NZTA said.

The SH2-Pahoia-Esdaile roads roundabout under construction. Photo / Waka Kotahi New Transport Agency

“We appreciate the patience of road users and local residents while this important safety upgrade is delivered.

“Please follow all temporary traffic management, watch for changing road layouts, and slow down through the work area. Our crews work close to live traffic every day, and taking extra care through work sites helps keep everyone safe.”

According to NZTA’s website, 25 people died and 66 were seriously injured on SH2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa between 2009 and 2018, which prompted the SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa Safety Improvements Programme.

“Most crashes were at intersections, head-on collisions, or people driving off the road. Our improvements to this road will lower the risk of crashes and save lives,” NZTA said.

In 2018 construction began on safety improvements, and the 40km stretch of SH2 was split into 10 sections. Since 2019 NZTA had been widening the road, putting in a wide centreline to separate oncoming traffic, widening road shoulders to give drivers more room, installing roadside safety barriers where there are hazards such as power poles, trees and deep ditches; and making intersections safer.

The construction of seven roundabouts along SH2 was part of this project, with the SH2-Esdaile Rd-Pahoia Rd roundabout the last to be constructed. Work is expected to finish in late 2027.