The first stages of a major safety revamp of one of the country's crash blackspots are now under way and motorists are being advised to drive to the conditions, and warning signs on the Meeanee Quay/Watchman Rd intersection with State Highway 2.
As part of the initial preparations for the eventual construction of a roundabout system and new access roading to Hawke's Bay Airport, reduced speed limits and appropriate warning signage have been put into place.
By the end of the week the intersection will effectively be operating as a basic roundabout with new signage and barriers forming the temporary centre island.
The speed restrictions are unlikely to have any major impact on travel times through the stretch.
The $13 million project is being jointly funded from the National Land Transport Fund, Hawke's Bay Airport and the Napier City Council and is part of a $25-million package of road access improvements to Napier Port, announced by the Government as part of the Matariki-Hawke's Bay Economic Development plan which was launched in July last year.