Motorists using the northern stretch of State Highway 2 between Napier and Wairoa can expect to encounter delays over the following week as repair work, slip clearance and construction projects take place.
Contractors have moved into the area called Hippies Curve near Lake Tutira to construct a new culvert and temporary speed restrictions as well as stop-go signalling will be in place.
Similar safety measures are also in place at sites between the Devil's Elbow and Wairoa where clean-up work from slips is continuing, as well as between Wairoa and Morere for general surface repair work.
New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman Oliver Postings said heavy loaders and trucks would be operating at the slip clearance sites and drivers needed to be cautious.
Power pole work is continuing on stretches of SH50 with a replacement programme under way from Omahu Rd to Roy's Hill.
The highway shoulder has been closed off and there will be temporary speed limits and stop-go signalling in place at certain times.
Contract crews are also at work relocating power poles around the Links Rd area as well as preparing the groundwork for the construction of a new roundabout system.
Restrictions will be in place at times and slight delays can be expected.
At two other major roundabout sites, at Mangaterere where the Whakatu Arterial is being built and Westshore at the SH2 and Watchman Rd intersection, speed restrictions were in place but travel delays would only be "negligible" Mr Postings said.
Preparation and drainage work is well advanced at the Westshore site with a temporary roundabout in place.
Upgrading is also well under way on the Watchman Rd link to the Hawke's Bay Airport.
The $13 million project is being jointly funded from the National Land Transport Fund, Hawke's Bay Airport and the Napier City Council and is part of a $25 million package of road access improvements to Napier Port, announced by the Government as part of the Matariki-Hawke's Bay Economic Development plan which was launched in July last year.
The Watchman Rd and Meeanee Quay intersection with SH2 was described by the New Zealand Transport Agency as one of the North Island's "highest risk" sites.
The project includes a new access road between the airport and Watchman Rd with the existing entranceway further north on SH2, which is also a safety concern spot, set to be retained for emergency use only.