The much-anticipated completion of safety improvements at the high-risk intersection of Pakowhai Road, Links Road (State Highway 50) and the Hawke‘s Bay Expressway (State Highway 50A) is nearing.

NZ Transport Agency regional transport systems manager Wayne Oldfield says changes to the layout will address the previous safety issues, improve efficiency for freight, and provide a vital link between the Hawke‘s Bay Expressway and the new Whakatu Arterial Link.

“The roundabout is now operating in its final configuration, although traffic is still confined to one lane until completion of the safety improvements,” says Oldfield.

“We have taken extra time to complete this work to allow for additional safety improvements including further road widening and the installation of a median wire rope barrier between the two bridges.

“Extending the completion date now to undertake the safety improvements avoids disruption at a later date.”

The intersection, previously identified as the 19th highest risk intersection in the country based on crash data, is a critical part of the State Highway network and experiences significant traffic volumes.

Temporary speed limits are in place through the worksite and motorists are urged to take care as work continues on the approaches to the roundabout.

Work is due to be completed at the end of November.

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