Warning for pedestrians at SH2 crossing

Traffic on State Highway 2 between Napier and Bay View. Photo / Warren Buckland

Pedestrians and cyclists using a new crossing at Bay View are being advised to treat it with caution - traffic has the right of way because the crossing is on a main highway.

The crossing has been built across State Highway 2 at Bay View and, like an existing crossing at the southern end of the township, is for pedestrians and cyclists to use only when there are gaps in the traffic.

"Essentially the state highway has the right of way," said Oliver Postings, New Zealand Transport Agency journey manager for Napier.

Work is continuing on repairs to the Ohinepaka Stream Bridge and rail overbridge about 10km west of Wairoa as well as the Mangaturanga Bridge.

Speed restrictions are in place as well as stop/go controls as both bridges are down to one lane. Motorists can expect slight delays.

Similar traffic restrictions are in place just south of Wairoa where drainage repairs along the highway are being carried out.

On SH2 along the Napier-Hastings Expressway, shoulder-edge repairs are under way at various sites along the stretch with speed controls in place as well as stop/go signalling where the expressway is down to one lane. Slight delays can be expected.

Speed restrictions are also in place on SH38 between Wairoa and Waikaremoana as contractors work on replacing the Mangahohi Bridge near Ohuka.

Mr Postings said with winter bringing wet conditions, people planning travel needed to do so well in advance and with safety firmly on their minds.

- For the latest road travel conditions, motorists could call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) or visit the www.nzta.govt.nz/winterjourneys.