Construction of passing lanes to Hawke's Bay airport under way

Construction has begun on new passing lanes between Bay View and Hawke's Bay Airport. Photo/Roger Moroney

Work on improving traffic flows on the stretch of SH2 north between Bay View and the Hawke's Bay Airport is under way.

A passing lane is being constructed in the wake of National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) funding allocations, with the first stage of the project set to take place off the road so disruptions to traffic will be minimal.

The roadside shoulder will be closed and there will be reduced speed limits in place.

The NTLP funding was allocated as part of a national drive to help improve travel times and reduce congestion on key routes.

Additional funding has also been approved to investigate potential programmes of work on other stretches of SH2 between Napier and Gisborne as well as SH5 between Napier and Taupō.

"Reliable and efficient connections are important for Hawke's Bay regional communities and businesses, as well as tourists," a Transport New Zealand spokesperson said.

The passing lane programme is one of eight projects being carried out by NZTA road contracting crews on the northern stretch of SH2.

Surface reconstruction and repairs are being carried out at Wairoa, Ohinepaka and between Kotemaori and Puterino with temporary speed restrictions and stop-go signalling in place.

Motorists can expect some delay in travel time.

Slight delays can also be expected around Tutira while seal-widening work is taking place.

Crews are also still at work on a drop-out near Sandy Creek, also in the Tutira area, with temporary traffic lights in use.

On SH2 south between Hastings and Dannevirke, seal widening is underway between Te Aute and Pukehou with speed restrictions and stop-go signalling in place.

A temporary give way control has been put in place around the Glencoe Gorge on SH50 while drop-out repair work is carried out.

On SH5 between Napier and Taupō, repair work is being carried out on The Waione Bride at Tarawera with speed restrictions in place.

Restrictions will also be in place through to Wednesday at sites between Te Pohue and Eskdale, where surface repair work is taking place.

The final stages of the major roundabout construction project at Pakowhai and Links Rd is underway with barrier work and completion of the approaches being carried out by specialist crews.

Motorists can expect some delays.