The NZ Transport Agency is asking for feedback on proposed upgrades to the section of Te Ngae Rd from Iles Rd to the airport.

Upgrades of key intersections are being proposed as part of the Eastern Corridor Stage Two improvements on State Highway 30/Te Ngae Rd in Rotorua.

Waka Kotahi/NZ Transport Agency portfolio manager Kathryn King says they are seeking the community's feedback on the proposed upgrade between Iles Rd and Rotorua Airport.

'Significant development is planned for eastern Rotorua and the effects of this growth on the transport network need to be carefully planned for.

'By improving this corridor, we will help people who live and work in the area, as well as others who rely on it for business, tourism and travel.”

Public engagement opens today and runs through until 5pm on Tuesday, September 1.

Kathryn says the project aims to make sure everyone can get around easily and safely while accommodating future growth and providing better travel choices.

'We're keen to share the proposed improvements with the community to get their thoughts on our plans and to help us understand if we have missed anything important.”

Waka Kotahi is working closely with Rotorua Lakes Council, iwi and stakeholders to complete a detailed business case identifying the best solution for improving the corridor.

The proposal has been shaped by feedback from the community in recent years.

The proposed improvements include upgrades to intersections at Owhata Rd, Brent Rd, Wharenui Rd and Rotorua Airport, a three-metre-wide shared path and cycle lane the length of the corridor, new pedestrian crossings and bus stops, as well as four-laning.

Improvements will be constructed in phases, with some needed immediately and others to be built as development occurs in east Rotorua.

'This corridor doesn't currently provide good, safe options for people to get around by bicycle and on foot, and some intersections are not functioning well or experiencing heavy congestion during peak travel times," Kathryn says.

'The proposed improvements aim to solve these issues, make the corridor safer, and help prepare the network for more growth in the future.”

Stage Two is part of the wider Connect Rotorua programme of work to futureproof two of Rotorua's key corridors: SH30/Te Ngae Rd and SH30A/Amohau St.

The Eastern Corridor Stage One project is under construction from Sala St to Iles Rd, with completion expected in late 2021.

View the proposed improvements and provide feedback online at nzta.govt.nz/eastern-corridor-stage2.

Alternatively, call (07) 927 6009 and request a hard copy feedback form.