A project to build a new roundabout at the Marguerita St- Fenton St intersection has begun.
Water mains are being replaced and pavements are being relaid in the first steps to create the roundabout, which the Rotorua District Council expects will help lower the high crash rate on Fenton St.
Council works manager Peter Dine said the project should rectify structural problems in the Marguerita St area between Fenton and Hilda Sts. He said the Government was contributing to the construction costs through the New Zealand Transport Agency.
"Marguerita St's pavement has been failing for some time due to poor soil conditions, while repeated infrastructural work has led to ongoing problems of uneven pavements from construction and vehicle vibrations," he said.
"The water mains have also reached the end of their useful life and are due for replacement."