NZ Transport Agency contractors are out in force in the Bay of Plenty this month, working to make the highways safer and progress major projects such as the Te Puna roundabout and Tauranga’s Maungatapu underpass upgrade.
Motorists are advised to start their journey online and plan ahead to avoid delays as they are likely to encounter speed restrictions and other traffic management when travelling around the region.
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 and planning your journey before you leave 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) 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) , a dedicated website that tells 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 Chapel Street Viaduct Tauranga
Contractors are carrying out maintenance on the viaduct from June 19 through to June 23 and motorists are advised to drive with extra care and attention.
The work will be carried out at night between the hours of 7pm and 6am to avoid major delays to traffic. One lane will be closed and speed restrictions will be in place.
SH2 Te Puna Roundabout
Contractors have started stage one of the roundabout 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.
SH2 Snodgrass Road
Transport Agency contractors are carrying out ‘mill and fill’ works on a section of SH2 near Snodgrass Road from June 19 until June 23. The work involves digging up a section of road and layering hot asphalt to repair the road surface. The work will be carried out each night from 7pm to reduce the impact on traffic. Drivers are urged to drive with extra care and adhere to speed restrictions and other traffic management that will be in place.
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. The work is expected to be completed this month.
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 month. 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.
State Highway 29A Maungatapu Underpass Construction Works
Work on the Maungatapu underpass continues. A series of lane closures and a 50km/h speed restriction are in place. Drive with extra care and attention.
SH2 Waioeka Gorge
Transport Agency contractors will be working at various sites in the gorge in June, carrying out drainage improvement works. Traffic management will be in place and motorists are advised to drive with extra care and expect minor delays.
Rotorua/Eastern Bay of Plenty safety improvements
Transport Agency contractors will be making safety improvements to the state highway network around Rotorua and near Opotiki over the next three weeks. 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/Mihi, SH2 Opotiki, 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 this month as contractors continue 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 is continuing on SH2 from Waiotahe through to the Waioeka Gorge. People should expect minor delays and are urged to drive carefully through the work sites.
