A flexible safety barrier is being installed on one of the Western Bay of Plenty's worst stretches of road for serious and fatal crashes.
From today State Highway 29a near the east end of the Maungatapu Bridge will host the 1.3 kilometre long median barrier.
The New Zealand Transport Agency introduced a temporary barrier last year when they relocated the passing lane further east. The temporary barrier was designed to help motorists get used to the permanent fixture, being installed today.
An NZTA spokeswoman said the permanent barrier removed the risk of head-on crashes and the relocation of the passing lane helped managed speed around the corner.
The work was being carried out by Waiotahi Contractors at a cost of about $1 million.