A significant milestone has been reached on the State Highway 2 Wainui Road to Ōpōtiki safety improvements project, with traffic now using the new twin teardrop roundabouts at the SH2/Ōhiwa Beach Road and SH2/Waiōtahe Valley Back Road intersections, pictured right.

Located on either side of the Waiōtahe River Bridge, the roundabouts provide a safer way for people to enter and exit the state highway by removing the need to turn right across SH2 traffic.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi project sponsor, infrastructure development and delivery Adrian Jones said moving traffic onto the new layout was an important project milestone.

“It’s great to reach the point where people can start using the new roundabouts and experience how the new layout works,” Jones said.

“These intersections sit on an important state highway connection, and the improvements are about making them safer and easier to navigate.

“We’re asking everyone to slow down, follow the signs and take extra care as people get used to travelling through the roundabouts.”

The biggest change is for drivers turning right from Ōhiwa Beach Road or Waiōtahe Valley Back Road.

Instead of turning right directly onto SH2, drivers will turn left, travel across the Waiōtahe River Bridge to the other roundabout, then use that roundabout to safely change direction.

New signs guide motorists through the layout.

The two intersections were identified for improvement following a history of serious crashes.

Between 2014 and 2023, there were two fatalities and four serious to minor injuries at the intersections.

Jones said the improvements would benefit local communities and people travelling through the Eastern Bay.

“SH2 is an important connection for communities, businesses and freight across the region and it’s great to get these safety benefits in place ahead of summer when there are typically more people enjoying the East Coast.

“These improvements will provide a safer and more resilient journey for everyone who relies on this route.

“We’d like to thank the community and road users for their patience while this work has been under way,” he said.

While traffic is now using the roundabouts, construction is not yet complete. Temporary speed limits and traffic management will remain in place while crews finish the remaining work around the intersections.

Motorists should allow extra time, slow down and follow all signs and instructions when travelling through the site.

The twin teardrop roundabouts form part of the wider SH2 Wainui Road to Ōpōtiki safety improvements project, which is improving safety along this important route.