Work on the $8.1 million State Highway 5/State Highway 30 Hemo Rd roundabout is now expected to be completed next month, weather permitting.
The work was scheduled to finish in the middle of this year but soft ground in some areas, significant rainfall throughout the past 12 months, the discovery of part of Rotorua's original water supply system, a quarry closure, and delay in utilities relocations meant more time has been needed, said NZ Transport Agency project manager Chris Farnsworth.
He said the new SH30 Rotorua-bound lane around the roundabout was opened to traffic yesterday .
"There will be several traffic switches over the next month while the new roads are tied into the roundabout, sealed and then opened for use. Pedestrians can also use one of the underpasses with the other footpaths being opened over the coming few weeks.
"The other remaining works include connecting the Te Puia carpark and the Mokoia Drive/holiday park areas into the new roundabout, landscaping and finishing works."
He said the roundabout would boost safety at the high-risk intersection, provide cycle and pedestrian access and create a gateway to Rotorua.
