• Hastings District Council's roading projects in full swing

Hastings District Council's roading projects in full swing

Cones and contractors have flooded the streets of Hastings following the Christmas and New Year break, to maintain, upgrade and build roading infrastructure across the district.

This week preparatory work was underway on two new roundabouts being installed to ease congestion and reduce traffic delays near the industrial zones at Ōmahu and Irongate – these projects are expected to run until the end of May.

This is pre-emptive work ahead of the development that’s anticipated in these areas, contributing to the economic
growth of the whole district.

Hastings District council's development sub-committee chair Tania Kerr says attracting industry to the district was a key priority in council’s Long Term Plan, and providing suitable roading was one part of that.

“This activity stimulates the economy and creates jobs, and the expansion in these areas also requires efficient, effective and safe roading infrastructure to support it.”

Work on the roundabout at the intersection of Ōmahu Rd and Henderson Rd and council is working with businesses in the area to maintain access to them as much as possible.

Drift-In Lunch Bar, Newport Auto Electrical & Air Conditioning, Tumu Frame & Truss, Norwood and Beard’s Environmental will all remain open and people can still enter their buildings.

Newport Auto Electrical and Air Conditioning, however, will have a different entry point at times over during the works. Signs will be in place to direct customers to alternative access.

The other roundabout is on Maraekākaho Rd, designed to improve safety for vehicles accessing Irongate Rd.

There’s other activity afoot on projects to support safer, more convenient, and extended cycling paths and trails to enjoy.

Work started this week to build a new trail at Waimarama Rd – all work will take place off-road so there will be no traffic disruptions. 

On Napier Rd, new cycle lanes are being built between Havelock North and Te Ara Kahikatea, expected to be finished in March.

This will include an off-road shared concrete path on the eastern side between Thompson Road and Romanes Drive that will form an attractive loop for locals and visitors to enjoy destinations such as Te Mata Figs and Arataki Honey Visitor Centre.

“These are exciting projects that will improve safety and accessibility, and create more opportunities for people to walk and cycle,” Kerr said. 

Meanwhile, work continues on other road and footpath safety projects including the SH51/Waipatu upgrade, building a shared pathway on School Rd, Clive, and ongoing bridge strengthening projects, as well as maintenance of the rural road network, including ongoing resealing work.

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