The NZ Transport Agency is asking people to allow extra time when travelling around the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, as road works season gets underway.
Transport Agency work crews will be out in force over the next five months, making the most of the warmer, dryer weather over summer to make highways safer, and progress major projects.
Drivers are likely to encounter speed restrictions and other traffic management at roadwork sites over the next few months, and should get in the habit of allowing extra time for their journeys.
People can get information on road works and detours in the region they are in, or travelling to by checking www.nzta.govt.nz/summerjourneys(external link) , by calling 0800 444 449 or following the Transport Agency on Facebook or Twitter.
Transport Agency journey manager, Liam Ryan says summer is the best time to reseal roads, as the warm temperatures and dry air helps the new seal to stick to the existing road surface.
Mr Ryan says the Transport Agency is grateful to motorists for their patience and understanding at roadworks sites.
“We understand road works can inconvenience people on their journeys. Dust, noise, speed restrictions and detours can really frustrate drivers and passengers, which is why we’re giving people as much information as we can so they can be prepared and avoid frustrating delays.
“The more you plan the better prepared you will be for a more predictable journey.”
Road work sites which may cause delays over the next week are detailed below to help people plan ahead:
SH35 road closure: SH35 near Maraenui Hill will be CLOSED to traffic for approximately three hours on Tuesday December 1 to allow contractors to carry out rockfall prevention work.
The road will be closed between 11am and 2pm. There is no detour and motorists are advised to plan ahead to avoid the closure or consider delaying travel.
The work is weather dependent and may be postponed.
Contractors will be carrying out other rock fall prevention work along SH35 next week and stop/go traffic management and speed restrictions will be in place at other sites. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when travelling this route.
SH2 and SH34 reseal sites
Motorists travelling around the East Cape next week are advised to allow extra time for their journey, as contractors carry out road repairs on several sections of the state highways network.
Stop/go traffic management and speed restrictions will be in place at:
SH36 between Tauranga and Rotorua - fibre optic cabling: Speed restrictions and shoulder closures will be in place between Old Tauranga Road and Athenree over the next week as contractors continue installing fibre optic cables. Motorists should allow an extra five minutes when travelling through the area.
SH39 detour on December 13
State Highway 39 traffic will be diverted during day-long road works in the Te Kowhai area on Sunday December 13.
The works near the Koura Drive roundabout include pavement repairs to remove joints and road resurfacing.
Crews will be on-site from 5am until 7pm on Sunday. The work is weather dependent and will be postponed until Sunday December 20 if necessary.
While access to properties will be maintained at all times – people need to speak with traffic crews on site – all through traffic will be diverted on to Onion Road and Horotiu Road.
The full detour is likely to add up to 14 minutes to journey times and the Transport Agency recommends people consider an alternative route if heading to the The Base from SH39.
Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
Motorists need to be aware the annual Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is on this Saturday, with about 8000 cyclists expected on the annual ride around the lake.
The course includes a stretch of SH1 between Taupo and Turangi, SH 32 and SH41, and motorists need to take extreme care during the hours of 7am to 6pm and follow the directions of race marshals. If you can’t avoid travelling on the race route during these hours please allow extra time to get to your destination.
Cycling event at Cambridge
Motorists travelling on SH1 through Cambridge on December 4-6 are advised to expect short delays with traffic management in place for an international cycling event.
The UCI Track Cycling World Cup will be held from Friday to Sunday next week, 4-6 December, with 400 riders from 40 countries completing.
Peak times are expected to be:
Friday: Noon to 1.30pm and 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
Saturday: 7.30am to 9am, 3.30pm to 6pm, 10.30pm to 11.30pm.
Sunday: 7.30am to 9am, 3.30pm to 6pm, 8.30pm to 9.30pm
Waikato Expressway
Traffic management and speed restrictions are in place along some sections of State Highway 1 and State Highway 1B as work on the Rangiriri, Huntly and Cambridge sections of the Waikato Expressway continues.
SH1 Five Mile Bay
Road-widening works continue on SH1 at Five Mile Bay, just south of Taupo, until January. Traffic management is in place and motorists should allow for delays of up to five minutes.
The Transport Agency apologises for any inconvenience and thanks motorists for their patience during the works.
