Transport Minister Simon Bridges has turned the sod to mark the start of construction on a $13 million project to upgrade Napier's Watchman Rd intersection.
Yesterday the Minister was joined by local iwi Mana Ahuriri, representatives from funding partners Hawke's Bay Airport and Napier City Council, and local stakeholders to celebrate the beginning of the intersection's major revamp.
The project, set to get under way before the end of the month, is expected to take about 14 months to complete and will construct a roundabout at the intersection and a new road from Hawke's Bay Airport to link to Watchman Rd, along with the widening and strengthening of Watchman Rd.
Minister Bridges said the roundabout and improved airport access would provide a safe and more efficient intersection.
"This project will also deliver better access to both the airport and the Napier Port, providing for seamless freight movement around the region,