Whakatāne locals, regular visitors, and those travelling through the district, are advised major road works on the main western entrance to the township will be underway soon, bringing significant disruption to travel. 

The Landing Road roundabout is a vital link to both urban streets around Whakatāne and connecting arterial routes. The roundabout surface is due for renewal, and additional design and safety improvements will be undertaken at the same time.

“Road surface deteriorates over time, and the Landing Road Roundabout surface is scheduled for a full renewal,” says Ann-Elise Reynolds, Team Leader – Strategy and Asset Management. “The work involved in its replacement is substantial and will have a significant impact on traffic.” 

“Being a site with such high traffic volumes, we want to ensure minimal maintenance is needed on this site after these renewal works, so we’ve opted for a more durable surface which will have a much longer life than other surfaces.” 

She continues, “And if we are disrupting traffic for this work, it makes sense both logistically and financially to incorporate improvements to the current layout which are expected to improve the flow of traffic, as well as safety improvements, at the same time as we undertake the necessary pavement work.”

Along with the road surface renewal, work will involve the removal of the existing ‘tear-drop’ layout and construction of a new fully functioning roundabout, with additional left stacking lane in to Landing Road. A Council-owned property bordering the current roundabout will be removed, and the new roundabout centre island will move further away from the bridge.  

“This design introduces a ‘stacking lane’, creating more room for vehicles approaching town from the Whakatāne Bridge.” Ann-Elise adds, “It will enable the re-introduction of the full circulation of the roundabout which is critical to improve access for all users and allow for future transport connections and network wide improvements.” 

Current safety and access issues for those on scooters, bikes, or walking, will be addressed through safe crossing points across Landing Road and Hinemoa Street and the beauty of the area will also be enhanced. 

While the renewal and upgrade will improve traffic flows, accessibility and safety of road users, Ann-Elise says it won’t be a silver bullet for reducing delays.

“While there is expected to be an increase in the number of movements through the roundabout at any one time, it will not make a significant difference to queue lengths or travel times during peak periods, because those things relate to network wide traffic movements, not just this one intersection.” 

Construction commences in August and the main works will be completed early December 2023, prior to Christmas. Further works on the footpaths and landscaping will be completed in the early new year. Work will be completed in three phases between 7am-5pm Monday-Saturday, and a section of Hinemoa Street (between the roundabout and Victoria Ave) will be open to residents only during this time, as will Landing Road Extension running past the Rowing Club. Night-time works are not an option due to the residential area of the site.

Residents and visitors are advised there will be significant delays and interruptions to normal travel times and are being encouraged to plan ahead for this. 

“We appreciate this situation is not ideal, but it’s the necessary downside to having these important works implemented,” says Ann-Elise. “We will do everything we can to minimise disruption to traffic, however we encourage everyone to use this time now to plan ahead – before the delays begin.” 

“Consider using alternate transport modes such as walking, biking or carpooling where possible. This will not only reduce the congestion of the intersection but will also reduce general congestion into town from the bridge, and throughout town too.” Ann-Elise adds, “And it’s better for your wallet, your health, your well-being and the environment!”

Other ways to reduce unnecessary travel include (where possible), working from home, getting items such as groceries and retail purchases delivered, and utilising school bus and public transport services where available. Failing this, allow more time to get to where you need to be.

Traffic in to Whakatāne from Awakeri, Edgecumbe and Kawerau, and all heavy traffic, is encouraged to use SH2/Tāneatua Road (over the Pekatahi Bridge). While this route is approximately 10mins/13km longer into town, during construction it may be more efficient. 

And of the elephant in the room, “What’s happening with a second bridge?”

“We’re very aware this site is closely linked to the Whakatāne Bridge, and the expectant delays will naturally bring up the ‘second bridge’ topic, which we know is a passionate one for many.”

“A second bridge is out of the scope of this project however; it is being considered in the development of the next Long Term Plan and Infrastructure Strategy. The improvement works at this intersection, contribute to optimising the urban arterial ring-route, which is a key step that needs to happen prior to any future additional access route into Whakatāne.”

For more information, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions see whakatane.govt.nz/landingroad