20 July 2021
From Monday 26 July, work will start on the roundabout bypass lane from Ngongotahā to Rotorua. This work is expected to be complete by mid to late-August, weather dependent. Works will include excavating the bypass lane and constructing new kerbs and islands.
Work has been progressing well at the roundabout. All stormwater and water main services have been relocated. The base layers of the road around the roundabout have been formed and the membrane seal is complete. The contractors have started to lay the first asphalt structural layers and hope to complete this soon. Kerb installation is scheduled for next week (19 – 23 July) followed by the second layer of asphalt. Once the second layer is finished, traffic travelling from Ngongotahā to Rotorua will be diverted through the roundabout and work will begin on the bypass lane.
Western Road detour
The Western Road detour will continue to be in place until end of August due to delays caused by bad weather, including heavy rain and low temperatures. While this is not uncommon for this time of year, there has been a lot more rain in a short period of time. Waka Kotahi acknowledges the inconvenience this may cause and thanks everyone for their patience.
While the detour is in place the extended 30km/h speed limit on Western Road will remain. Minor adjustments have been made to the SH5 temporary roundabout following feedback from the public. The changes aim to improve visibility, slow down approaching traffic and improve safe navigation through the roundabout.
Waka Kotahi will continue to monitor traffic and may do further adjustments.
Speeding at the Ngongotahā roundabout
With speeding continuing to be an issue and listening to feedback from the community, Waka Kotahi will be implementing traffic calming measures. These include speed humps on the lane from Ngongotahā to Rotorua.
For more information about this project visit www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/connect-rotorua/sh5-tarukenga-to-ngongotaha/