Plenty of people have taken the chance to walk or cycle the new Maungatapu Underpass today, before it is opened to traffic.

The first people came through from 10am, and the open day is expected to continue until 3pm.

Entertainment includes performances by local musicians, and artists. There is also food, refreshments and craft for sale from community vendors.

Traffic is expected to be using the underpass shortly before the project's official opening mid to late June.

Once completed, the $45 million underpass will be a two-lane link underneath the Maungatapu roundabout and a separated cycle and walk way, that will improve the traffic flow on the state highway around the Maungatapu and Hairini roundabouts.