The NZ Transport Agency is advising Bay of Plenty motorists to start their journey online and plan ahead to avoid delays.
Transport Agency contractors are out in force at the moment, working to make the highways safer and progress major projects such as the Te Puna roundabout and Tauranga’s Maungatapu underpass upgrade.
Drivers are likely to encounter speed restrictions and other traffic management on state highways around the regions.
Transport Agency journey manager Nigel D’Ath says checking out the Transport Agency’s website before travelling can help people choose the best routes and times to start their journeys.
“Picking up your mouse or your smartphone before you pick up your car keys and planning your journey could save you a lot stress and unnecessary time on the road,” Mr D’Ath says.
For personalised information about driving conditions on their frequently used routes, motorists can check out and sign up to On The Move: www.onthemove.govt.nz(external link).
For real time information on highway conditions and incidents or to report issues on the network visit www.nzta.govt.nz(external link) (external link) and click on 'traffic and travel', call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) or follow the Transport Agency on Facebook or @nztawaibop on twitter.
People can also go to www.drivelive.nz/BayofPlenty(external link) and www.drivelive.nz/tauranga(external link), dedicated websites that tell drivers what the current travel times are to get to key places around the Bay.
Roadworks that are scheduled to start in the next week or are currently underway are detailed below to help people plan ahead when travelling.
SH2 Te Puna Roundabout
Contractors have started stage one of the project which includes surveying and locating services such as power, water, stormwater and sewerage. The work is mainly offline and is not expected to significantly impact traffic on SH2 in the short term. The main part of the work, including construction of the roundabout, will get underway in September.
Tauranga Eastern Link/ Paengaroa roundabout
Transport Agency contractors are carrying out work at the Paengaroa roundabout and motorists are urged to drive with extra care.
A 50km/h speed restriction and lane closures are in place while contractors plant vegetation in the centre of the roundabout. The work is expected to take approximately two weeks however it is weather dependent and may be postponed due to wet weather. Please drive with extra care in this area.
SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi
Motorists travelling on SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi are urged to drive with extra care as work continues on a major safety upgrade.
A section of highway between Wainui South Road and Sargent Drive is being repaired and widened, and a wire rope central median barrier installed to prevent head on crashes.
A 50km/h speed restriction is in place for the safety of workers and people are urged to stay alert behind the wheel as there will be changes to the road layout over the next month. The work is expected to be complete by early June.
SH29/ Takitimu Drive and SH36/Taurikura Drive roundabout upgrade
Motorists are asked to drive with extra care when travelling through the roundabouts over the next two months. Tauranga City Council’s contractor is carrying out works and speed restrictions, lane closures and occasional stop/go traffic management will be in place at times.
SH35 Opotiki to Cape Runaway and SH2 Waioeka Gorge
Transport Agency contractors will be working at various sites along this routes in May and June, carrying out drainage improvement works and clearing small slips. Traffic management will be in place and motorists are advised to drive with extra care and expect minor delays.
Rotorua area safety improvements
Transport Agency contractors will be making safety improvements to the state highway network around Rotorua over the next month. The changes include installing safety rails, new road marking, and tree trimming to improve visibility. Speed restrictions and other traffic management will be in place at times on SH36 Hamurana, SH30 Lower Atiamuri, SH5 Reporoa, and SH35 Opape.
Eastern Bay of Plenty – water cutting
Speed restrictions and stop/go traffic management will be in place on state highways around the Eastern Bay of Plenty over the next month as contractors start an annual water cutting programme.
Water cutting with a high pressure water jet removes areas of excess bitumen that have appeared during the hot weather over summer. It helps to improve grip and prolong the life of the road. Work will start on the western side of State Highway 2 and continue on other state highway sites such as SH30 between Awakeri and Whakatane. People should expect minor delays.
