Regional transport systems manager Oliver Postings said it was a relatively simple change that would reduce the risk of crashes on the road.
"The decision to remove the passing lane wasn't made lightly and we know that some road users may feel inconvenienced, but our priority has to be the safety of everyone using the road," Postings says.
"The passing lane finishes just after an intersection, making it dangerous for people to get on and off the highway at Tapairu Rd — it's also very short as it is, so making it end before the intersection is not an option," he said.
"The safest action we can take is to remove it."
Other work on the stretch includes installing road safety barriers along the side and centre of the road, widening road shoulders and putting in rumble strips along the centre lines and edge lines.
At the southern Tapairu Rd/SH2 intersection a new right turn bay will be created to make it easier and safer to turn into or out of Tapairu Rd.
In the work areas speed restrictions will be in place and there are likely to be slight delays in travel times.
On SH2 north of Napier seal widening is also taking place around Te Uhi Hill with restrictions in place.
Motorists can also expect some slight delays due to dropout clean-up work just south of Wairoa and the passing lane project between Hawke's Bay Airport and Bay View.