The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has been undertaking roadworks at the intersection of SH1 and SH86 (Centre Rd), the route linking Dunedin city to Dunedin International Airport.
NZTA spokesman Murray Clarke, of Dunedin, said the primary objective was to replace the footpath, which had ''come to the end of its life'' and was becoming costly to maintain.
The footpath was too narrow and would be replaced with a stronger and wider one, Mr Clarke said.
While that work was being done, the NZTA had also taken the opportunity to address some safety issues at the intersection, he said.
Large truck and trailer units had difficulty getting into tractor businesses at the intersection, so the road would be widened in places.
It meant those trucks and other large vehicles would not have to move into the centre of the highway to enter and leave the commercial properties.
Mr Clarke said motorists on SH86 turning into Douglas St also had to stop in the middle of the highway to give way to oncoming traffic, which held up traffic from behind heading to the airport.
A wider road would give airport traffic room to pass vehicles turning into Douglas St.
