Minor safety works to create additional parking and implement a one-way system on McLean Street in the Tauranga city centre begun this week.

Tauranga City Council transportation manager Martin Parkes says the work will be carried out during normal working hours 7am-5pm, and it's expected to be completed by early-March.

However, the completion date may be pushed out should council contractors uncover any historical artefacts, adds Martin.

'The only element of the project that won't be completed in this time frame is the tree planting. Trees will be planted later in the year when the weather is more suitable.”

Once completed, an additional 23 carparks will be created. At this stage, Martin says the spaces will be free although some will be time limited.

Last year Martin told SunLive changes to the road and parking layouts followed a review of traffic and safety matters associated with McLean Street, as well as economic growth in the city centre putting pressure on existing parking facilities.

The proposal was put to McLean Street business owners and occupiers, with the majority supporting the changes.