The intersection is a traffic hot spot, with more than 18,000 vehicles travelling along Hastings River Drive daily.

“The new roundabout is part of ongoing improvements to one of our busiest roads, and follows the reconstruction and duplication of Hastings River Drive between Gordon Street and Aston Street, which was completed in June 2016,” council director Alex Fisher said.

“While there will be some disruption, the end result will be a much safer intersection, designed to handle the expected increase in traffic as our population continues to grow.”

Traffic travelling along Hastings River Drive will be reduced to one lane in each direction during construction, and to allow for the efficient completion of work, Newport Island Rd will be closed to all traffic at the intersection for three months.

The initial focus of the road works will involve the realignment of traffic lanes and some service relocations, and removal of some trees.

Access to local businesses will be maintained, however detours will be in place and motorists can expect to experience some delays.

Improvements to Hastings River Drive between Boundary Street and Hughes Place are also in the planning phase, with construction subject to future funding being available.

“Council asks that motorists exercise patience, drive to the changed traffic conditions and take care as these important safety upgrades take place,” Ms Fisher added.