Despite drizzly conditions, more than 20 volunteers turned up to help plant some of the 2595 native grasses and shrubs, the remainder of which will go in this week.
Construction work associated with the intersection upgrade meant native plantings and landscaping previously carried out in the area by the Kelvin Heights Community Association had to be removed, and association president David Finlin said it was fantastic to see the new landscaping follow the contours of the existing native plantings.
New Zealand Transport Agency project manager Nick Rodger said lack of visibility at the intersection had been an issue.
"There was lack of sight distance to the south and to the north for turning traffic coming out of Peninsula Rd. As well, with the u-bend, trucks had to actually move on to the other side of the carriage-way into oncoming traffic to get around the corner."
The project was designed to pre-empt any increase in traffic from the Kawarau Falls Development.
Fulton Hogan has been contracted to finish the planting.
