Napier and Hastings intercity commuters advised to seek alternative route

SH50 expressway users are advised to seek alternative routes while roadwork are underway.

Intercity commuters and other regular users of the SH50 expressway between Napier and Hastings are being advised to consider taking an alternative route, particularly at peak times as delays will be inevitable because of major roadworks.

Work on installing a temporary roundabout at the intersection of the expressway with Links Rd and Pakowhai Rd began at the weekend and traffic will be diverted along the Old Links Rd from later this week.

The new layout will be similar to the temporary roundabout which was installed as part of the Watchman Rd/expressway upgrade.

"The removal of the existing traffic lights coupled with the volume of traffic on the expressway will mean that pulling out onto the temporary roundabout from Pakowhai and Links roads during construction will be more difficult and could involve delays," New Zealand Transport Agency Hawke's Bay Journey Manager Oliver Postings said.

"To alleviate this issue we are suggesting that people look at alternative routes to work, especially at peak times."

Mr Posting said northbound traffic could access the expressway at Evenden or Omahu Rd roundabouts and southbound traffic either the Meeanee overbridge of SH50 through Fernhill.

"Another option could be using the coastal highway through Clive," Mr Postings said.

He said as the roundabout would be in place "for a considerable time", looking at alternative route options would pay dividends in the long run at what was one of the highest-volume intersections in the region.

Delays can also be expected along northern stretches of SH2.

Annual resealing work is under way between Morere and Putorino while roadmarking is being carried out at sites between Bayview and Wairoa.

"Care is needed around the roadmarking vehicles as this work is a mobile operation," Mr Postings said.

On the southern stretch of SH2 between Paki Paki and Te Hauke a surface repair programme is set to start and stop-go signalling and speed restrictions will cause slight delays.

A strengthening upgrade of concrete beams has also begun on the SH2 Tuki Tuki Bridge at Waipukurau. Traffic signalling and speed limits are in place.

Two lanes will be open between 6am and 6pm although this will be reduced to a single lane after 6pm and remain in place overnight.