Construction has begun on a new roundabout to improve safety at the intersection of SH50 Hawke's Bay Expressway, Pakowhai Road and Links Road.
The project involves realigning the Links Road and Pakowhai Road approaches to a new roundabout on SH50 as well as upgrading 1.38 kilometres of State highway.
NZ Transport Agency System manager Wayne Oldfield says the intersection is a well-known danger spot on Hawke’s Bay roads.
“The intersection has been identified as 19th in the top 100 dangerous intersections across New Zealand, improving safety at this busy intersection is a priority for us. The intersection improvements will address the significant safety issues resulting from the current layout.”
The project is due for completion in August this year and will involve a number of stages, beginning with the removal of the current traffic signals and installation of a temporary roundabout during the week of 22-27 January.
Two lanes will be available to traffic at all times, and electronic signage will be in place to update commuters when diversions are required.
Commuters are reminded that there are also alternate routes available for travel between Napier and Hastings via SH2 through Clive, or SH50 via Fernhill and Taradale.
