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Ford Road ExtensionPlanning Started: 2006
Construction Started: Not Started
Completed: Not Completed
Detailed design work is now underway for the planned Ford Road extension and four-laning of Prebensen Drive and is expected to be completed by October.
Napier City Council is aiming to link an extended Ford Road to the Severn Street/Prebensen Drive roundabout to improve traffic safety in this busy part of the city.
Other options were investigated, but the proposal being pursued is seen as a sustainable, safe and efficient route that will significantly improve access between the Onekawa and Pandora large format retail and industrial areas and the Hawke?s Bay Expressway, Port of Napier and central Napier.
It also complies with design guidelines for state highways.
Consultation started with affected landowners in January 2006. Wider consultation encompassed the community, particularly road user groups, statutory organisations, the New Zealand Transport Agency and the Hawke?s Bay Regional Council. Napier City Council also consulted with Ngati Kahugnunu.
Having gone through this process, the designation for the road works was confirmed in the District Plan.
An extended two-lane Ford Road will cross the former Tutaekuri riverbed to link up with the roundabout adjacent to the Mitre 10 Mega Store on Prebensen Drive. The route will provide a safer link between the Onekawa industrial area and Prebensen Drive.
The changes will mean only left-turning traffic being able to access Austin Street from Prebensen Drive. Similarly, vehicles exiting Austin Street will be restricted to a left-hand turn.
Detailed design will consider issues surrounding existing culverts where the former Tutaekuri riverbed passes under Prebensen Drive near Austin Street.
