Whakatu Arterial Link to get safety upgrades

Council heard the final report on the new Whakatu Arterial Link. Photo / Supplied

The Whakatu Arterial Link roundabout on State Highway 2 will see some safety upgrades following an independent audit.

Project Manager John Wright told the Hastings District Councils Works and Services committee today changes were going to be made to the road markings to make it clearer which lane led where.

"We're going to add arrows on Napier Rd, there is only one set, for whatever reason," Wright said.

The audit team also asked them to paint H NORTH in the left hand lane coming out of the Whakatu Arterial Link to ensure people going to Havelock North took the correct lane.

"That's going to give clarity for the vehicles wanting to exit on to Pilcher Rd and Napier Rd."

The comments were made during a presentation to Hastings District Council's Works and Services Committee.

The presentation also looked at the money spent on the new road, with the project coming in under budget.

That included $100,000 of ratepayer funding not being spent, and $300,000 from the NZ Transport Agency.

Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst suggested the money could be spent on beautifying entrance points to Hastings.

"I think we need to think about how we create gateways and entrances in Hastings, with that $100,000 ratepayers' money."

"It will make an enormous difference."