Turning bays to be installed at notorious Rotorua intersection

Two right-turning bays will be installed on State Highway 5 at the intersections with Maraeroa and Oturoa Rd's. Photo / File

Work to install safety improvements at notorious intersections north-west of Rotorua are planned to start next week.

Two right-turning bays will be installed on State Highway 5 at the intersections with Maraeroa and Oturoa Rds.

New Zealand Transport Agency Bay of Plenty Transport systems manager Rob Campbell said the turning bays would address ongoing safety concerns at the intersections by removing turning traffic from the through lane.

"We are widening State Highway 5 to make room for the turning bays which will allow turning vehicles to wait in the bay until it's safe to make a right turn without holding up vehicles going straight through," he said.

Emergency services at the scene of a crash between a truck and a car at the intersection in January. Photo / File

In the past five years there have been three fatal or serious crashes within 100m of the intersections and a further two minor and five non-injury crashes.

Work was due to begin Monday March 4 with the project expected to be completed in May.

Speed restrictions and stop/go traffic management would be in place during the works however with the majority of work being completed on the road shoulder delays were expected to be minor.