With a history of multiple crashes, and ranked as Tauranga’s number one high-risk intersection, this project is a vital step toward protecting everyone who uses this busy route — drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Since 2019, there have been 19 reported crashes at this intersection — eight with injuries and 11 due to failure to give way or stop.
Community consultation
During community consultation for the Ōtūmoetai Spatial Plan, residents called for stronger safety measures at this location.
Although the wider Ōtūmoetai Area B safety programme did not receive NZTA funding, this intersection was prioritised by council due to its critical safety concerns and received separate funding approval.
What’s changing
A roundabout with crossings will replace the current intersection to slow down traffic and improve safety around the intersection. Traffic modelling showed that a signalised intersection would cause major congestion on Ngatai Road during peak hours. A roundabout was chosen as the best option to enhance safety while maintaining smooth traffic flow.
- A roundabout with new footpaths will replace the current intersection.
- Two shared crossings (for pedestrians and cyclists) on Bureta Road, one on either side of the roundabout.
- A signalised pedestrian crossing on Ngatai Road (near TyreMaster and Superior Automotive). The existing crossing will be removed.
- A pedestrian island on Ngatai Road (near the golf club).
- Wider footpaths where possible to accommodate the growing number of pedestrians and cyclists and improve accessibility.
- Cycle on/off ramps on all approaches to the roundabout.
- New kerb from the Ngatai/Bureta Road intersection to the Ngatai Road/Chapel Street intersection.
Some car parks will need to be removed to accommodate the new crossings and ensure clear sight for people crossing, however these will be kept to a minimum. As the project is in an early design phase, we will keep the community updated as we work to finalise this into the detailed design.
Ngatai/Bureta Road intersection safety improvements – concept design.
Traffic volumes
Weekday average of vehicle movements along Ngatai Road (between Bureta Road and Crescent Road) in both directions: 13,015
Weekday average of vehicle movements along Ngatai Road (between Bureta Road and Chapel Street) in both directions: 11,825
Daily average of pedestrians and cyclists crossing Ngatai Road at the existing crossing: 160
Construction
Construction will begin March/April 2026 and is expected to take four months to complete, weather permitting. During construction traffic management will be in place. Please allow extra time when driving through the area.