The southbound lane on State Highway 2 between College Road and Silverstream Station in Central Hawke’s Bay is now open – just in time for the summer holidays.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency representatives joined Ngāi Te Whatuiāpiti hapū kaumātua, representatives from Pukehou marae, Russell Roads and Stantec staff in a karakia and blessing to clear the way for people to use the newly constructed southbound lane this morning.
The project, funded by the regional package of the New Zealand Upgrade Programme, has involved realigning the road by easing its curves, incorporating a new southbound passing lane, wider shoulders, side barriers, as well as a right turn bay into College Road.
In early 2023, our contractors will install flexible median barrier.
Waka Kotahi Central North Island Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Rob Partridge says realigning the road improves the safety of this key freight route connecting Hawke’s Bay and Manawatū and provides safer passing opportunities.
“Upgrading this stretch of SH2 significantly boosts safety. The old road was undulating and winding, and there had been a number of crashes on the stretch in the past,” says Mr Partridge.
“The realignment improves the connection to Napier Port and supports regional economic growth by improving the movement of people and goods along the route.”
Waka Kotahi started the project in November 2020, after a site blessing led by Ngāi Te Whatuiāpiti, Te Aute College and the local community.
"We want to thank our iwi partners and the local community for their patience while we completed this work," says Mr Partridge.
For more information, please visit www.nzta.govt.nz/sh2-college-road-to-silverstream
