Rotorua Eastern Corridor SH30 - Detailed Business Case and Design

Rotorua’s Māori culture and the area’s geothermal activity—mud pools and geysers—draw visitors from at home and abroad. To address increasing traffic, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) looked to provide improved travel options on the state highway (SH) between Rotorua township and the airport. They engaged us to help with the SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage Two project that spans SH30/Te Ngae Road in Rotorua, from Iles Road to the Rotorua Airport.  

We’ve led this project from inception to completion. Beginning in early 2020 with the detailed business case, we transformed initial concepts into a robust case for investment. Our services during this phase included traffic modeling, concept and scheme design, cost estimation, economics, public engagement, and business case writing. In 2021, the project secured funding for the first phase (from Iles Road to Wharanui Road), and we were awarded the detailed design contract. Our comprehensive design services covered signals, stormwater, pavement, and lighting design. Key features of this improvement project include widening the road to four lanes, installing new traffic signals, creating a new shared path, improving cycle lanes, and upgrading bus stops.

Having met its goal for keeping Rotorua moving with improved connectivity, the NZTA has received positive community feedback. With a focus on enhancing safety and connectivity, this initiative accommodates future growth and offers better travel choices for everyone—whether they’re traveling by foot, bike, bus, or car.