The NZ Transport Agency says they are focused on reducing delays to motorists as a major pavement rehabilitation begins on State Highway 29, west of Tauranga this month.
Stop/go traffic management, speed restrictions of 30km/h and lane closures will be in place on a stretch of SH29, near Soldier Road, to allow contractors to widen and rehabilitate a 1100m length of highway.
The work begins on Monday March 30 and is expected to take six weeks. For safety reasons the eastbound passing lane will be closed during the works.
The Transport Agency’s Bay of Plenty Journey Manager, Nigel D’Ath says contractors will work outside peak traffic times, from 9am until 4pm each day, to reduce the impact on motorists.
“SH29 is a busy highway and a key freight route, so we are focused on doing everything we can to minimise the impact of this work.
“Our contractors will do everything they can to reduce delays however due to the scale of the work we ask that people plan ahead and allow extra time when travelling along this route.
“We hope the travelling public understand the importance of these works and we thank them for their patience.”
Mr D’Ath says it is critical that motorists slow down and keep to the speed limit through the work site.
“This type of work involves heavy machinery, loose metal, hot bitumen and a lot of workers, often on foot - that’s why speed restrictions are needed,” he says.
“Speeding through the sites can be dangerous for our road workers and other motorists, as well as causing damage to the work.”
Along with the passing lane rehabilitation, there are a number of other works and reseals around the Western Bay of Plenty region.
Those that are expected to cause delays of more than five minutes are detailed below:
Stop/go traffic management and a speed restriction of 30km/h will be in place on a 400m stretch of SH2, as contractors repair a road slip near Bridgman Lane, near the Athenree Gorge.
Work starts on Monday March 30 and will continue for approximately six weeks between the hours of 6am and 7pm. A 70kmh speed restriction will be in place outside of the stated work hours.
Motorists are advised to allow an extra 5 minutes when travelling on this route.
Stop/ go traffic management and 30km/h speed restrictions will be in place on three reseal sites between McLaren Falls Rd and Soldiers Rd from Monday March 30.
Motorists are advised to allow an extra 20 minutes when travelling on this route.
Delays of up to 20 minutes at times as work continues on the Rangitaiki River Bridge.
The bridge will be closed for 20 minute intervals at times over the next 11 weeks as contractors replace bearings on the piers.
There will be approximately three closures a week between the hours of 9.30am and 2pm until the job is complete. Electronic signs will be in place the day before a planned closure to notify motorists so they can plan ahead.
The alternative route is via Te Teko (SH30 and SH34). This route will add approximately 10 minutes to the normal travel time through Edgecumbe.
For real time information on highway conditions and incidents visit www.nzta.govt.nz(external link) call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or follow @nztawaibop on twitter.
For personalised information about driving conditions on their frequently used routes, motorists can check out and sign up to On The Move at www.onthemove.govt.nz.(external link)
