Roundabout takes shape

Work has begun on the second Marine Parade roundabout, at the Browning St intersection. Photo / Duncan Brown

Work on Marine Parade's second roundabout is now under way, with heavy machinery moving on to the site earlier this week after a three-week preparation programme which focused on kerb extensions.

"Now we are digging holes," Napier City Council road assets manager Jon Schwass said.

The council announced in late May it was planning, over a long term, four new roundabouts at intersections along Marine Parade in a bid to smooth traffic flows and make the stretch less attractive to heavy traffic.

The sites and funding for the next three had not been confirmed at this stage, although they were likely to be at Vautier St, Sale St and Warren St.

Mr Schwass said the Browning St roundabout would be similar in design to the Tennyson St roundabout, with a paved rather than planted centre, complete with a light standard.

Higgins Contractors crews moved heavy machinery on to the site two days ago, with two excavators at work tearing up the tarseal surface.

While the road would remain open, there would be minor delays at times and stop-go signalling would be in place.

"Motorists need to be aware though that there will be times when it will be pretty tight and we will be recommending diversions when they pour the concrete aprons," Mr Schwass said.

The work is expected to be completed in 4-6 weeks.

Meanwhile, motorists travelling on State Highway 2 north and SH50 can also expect minor delays as slip clearance and drainage maintenance is carried out.