Power pole work will cause slight delays

A month on from when this was the scene at Mangateretere, the full roundabout is set to fully open. Photo/Paul Taylor

Two power pole replacement programmes on sections of SH50 will mean slight delays for motorists as temporary speed limits will be put in place at certain times.

Unison crews have begun working along stretches of the highway around Links Rd and Maraekakaho Rd to Kereru Rd.

The New Zealand Transport Agency is advising that while most of the work is off the roadway, meaning little impact on traffic flows, there will be times when there are likely to be delays as temporary speed restrictions are brought into play along with stop-go signalling.

The Links Rd work involves relocating the power pole network in advance of the new Pakowhai and Links Rd roundabout project.

The roadside shoulders along both stretches will be closed off.

Delays can also be expected further south on SH50 where a stock underpass is being constructed in the Creek Rd area near Gwavas Station.

Speed restrictions are in place along with stop-go signals and travel times could be delayed by up to five minutes.

Recent fine weather has allowed contractors to make good progress with slip clearing and maintenance programmes on SH2 north of Napier.

The work, at sites between Bay View and Wairoa, is expected to continue for the next few days and motorists are advised to drive with caution in those areas as loaders and debris removal trucks will be operation.

Drivers can expect some delays around the sites and also near North Rd at Whirinaki where a seal widening project is being carried out.

Work has also been progressing on the Whakatu arterial system with the new roundabout at Mangaterere and Napier Rd set to be completed and fully open as a fully circulating roadway soon.

It will mean the reopening of the currently closed off Napier Rd to Havelock North.

The development of the new roundabout at Watchman Rd and the expressway stretch of SH2 has also been progressing and motorists using the stretch are advised to be aware of the new layout and the temporary speed restrictions in place.