Transport Minister Phil Twyford yesterday welcomed confirmation that the NZ Transport Agency will start a $36 million project to improve driver safety on the Hawke's Bay Expressway.
During a visit to Hawke's Bay Twyford said work would start in September aimed at reducing crashes and preventing deaths and serious injuries between Bay View and Pakipaki.
Twyford said the expressway was a vital stretch of road for the region, providing an important link to both Hawke's Bay Airport and the Port of Napier.
However, between 2008 and 2017, 10 people were killed and 46 were seriously injured in crashes on the road, he said.
"We know that everyone makes mistakes while driving, and these safety improvements are designed to ensure that those simple mistakes don't cost lives."
Safety improvements already under construction as part of the programme include the Watchman Rd project by the Hawke's Bay Airport and the Pakowhai Rd and Links Rd project.
"Both are making good progress and drivers will be enjoying the safety benefits from spring this year.
"From September, the NZ Transport Agency will start work on a range of additional simple but effective safety improvements that will make driving safer and reduce the risk of crashes."
Safety improvements planned for the Hawke's Bay Expressway include the installation of flexible wire-rope safety barriers along the side and the centre of the
road, wider road shoulders, and the creation of a southbound passing lane between Bayview and the Airport.
Most of the safety works included in the programme are scheduled to be completed by December 2019.