SH50 Pakowhai/Links Road roundabout

The NZ Transport Agency is constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Pakowhai Road, Links Road (State Highway 50) and the Hawke’s Bay Expressway (State Highway 50A). This section of SH50 and SH50A is a critical part of the state highway network and a strategic freight route to the Port of Napier.

Background

The Pakowhai and Links Road intersection was recently identified as the 19^th highest risk intersection in New Zealand, based on its crash history.  Significant traffic volumes along this section of the state highway network contribute to congestion during peak periods. The current section of the expressway experiences bottlenecks that can result in freight inefficiency and safety risks. The project is due for completion in November 2018 and will involve a number of stages.

Benefits

• Investment in the intersection improvements will address the significant safety issues resulting from its current layout.
• The new roundabout provides a vital link between the expressway and the new Whakatu Arterial Link project.
• Intersection improvements will provide improved efficiency for freight.
• Additional safety improvements are to be incorporated into the project including a median barrier on the expressway between the two bridges.

Concept plan

View larger image [PDF, 342 KB]

Timelines

Construction started in early 2018 and is due for completion in November 2018.