The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has completed an assessment of the Katikati town centre and revealed that a bypass will be added to the State Highway 2 Waihi to Tauranga programme.

In April last year, New Zealand Transport Minister Simon Bridges announced the NZ$520m ($359m) Waihi to Tauranga programme.

Since, then the agency has carried out further investigations to develop detailed solutions along the corridor, including for Katikati.

"The new bypass road is part of government’s long term goal for the State Highway 2 corridor between Waihi and Tauranga to reduce death and serious injury."

New Zealand Transport Agency's Central North Island regional relationship director Parekawhia McLean said:  “Over the last few years we’ve seen strong growth in traffic volumes, with the number of vehicles on the road in 2016 increasing by over 6% near Katikati and over 12% between Omokoroa and Tauranga.

“While further work will be required to determine the best route for a bypass and the timing for design and construction, it’s clear that removing the state highway from the town centre will keep people safe, continue to improve reliability for locals and tourists and improve access to Katikati.

“As well as the safety work planned for between Omokoroa and Te Puna, we will also look to bring forward other improvements to support economic growth and development.”

McLean further explained that the new information has indicated that the number of vehicles using the road is growing much faster than expected.

McLean added: “There’s still a lot of work to be done and we’ll keep the community fully informed as we progress.”

The new bypass road is part of government’s long term goal for the State Highway 2 corridor between Waihi and Tauranga to reduce death and serious injury, as well as support economic growth, and improve journey predictability.

The Transport Agency will also examine if the capacity improvements designed for between Omokoroa and Te Puna should be brought forward.