New Hemo Rd roundabout on track for October opening

This drone photograph taken by Rotorua's Brian Holden shows there's been some significant progress on the Hemo Rd intersection development south of Rotorua. Photo/Brian Holden

Motorists heading south of Rotorua are being advised to drive carefully and expect delays as they go through the Hemo Rd roundabout construction area this week.

A New Zealand Transport Agency spokeswoman said the project's contractor would be moving out from the main roundabout area to start the surrounding tie-in work this week.

That work would be adjacent to the live traffic lanes and might cause some people to slow down, the spokeswoman said.

However, the project is still on track to be finished in October.

A new drone photograph of the site taken at the weekend by Rotorua resident Brian Holden has captured an aerial view of the progress being made at the site so far.

The $8.1m intersection was meant to be finished mid-year but significant rainfall and the discovery of two colonial water tanks on Old Taupo Rd, dating back to 1897, meant more time was needed.

The roundabout will boost safety at the high-risk intersection, provide cycle and pedestrian access and create a gateway to Rotorua.

It will also include a 12m sculpture in the middle of the roundabout which is being funded by the Transport Agency, Rotorua Lakes Council and Te Puia with potential for others to contribute.