The NZ Transport Agency urges Bay of Plenty motorists to leave extra time when travelling this month as work continues on major projects and roadworks.
Drivers are likely to encounter speed restrictions and other traffic management which may cause delays and should get in the habit of allowing extra time for their journeys.
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)
For real time information on highway conditions and incidents or to report issues on the network visit www.nzta.govt.nz(external link) call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) or by following the Transport Agency on Facebook or @nztawaibop on twitter.
Bay of Plenty travellers 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.
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 Morton Road intersection
The NZ Transport Agency advises that the northbound passing lane near Morton Road has been closed for safety reasons as the road surface is slippery.
There is a 50km/h temporary speed limit in place over the weekend and early next week. Water-cutting which will improve the grip of the surface will be carried out on the evening of Tuesday 26 April 2016.
The temporary speed limit will remain in place due to safety reasons, as the surface becomes slippery after light rain. The Transport Agency asks that drivers take extra care when driving through 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.
Traffic is currently split with works underway in the middle of the two lanes.
Some surfaces are sealed and a 50km/h speed restriction is in place for the safety of workers and to allow the seal to bed in.
People should only expect minor delays but are urged to stay alert behind the wheel as there will be changes to the road layout over the next month.
SH35 Maraenui/ SH2 Waioeka Gorge rock scaling works
Transport Agency contractors will be clearing rocks and vegetation this month as part of regular slip and rock fall prevention in the Bay of Plenty.
Stop/ go traffic management, speed restrictions and changes to the road layout will be in place on SH2 in the Waioeka Gorge and on SH35 at Maraenui at times.
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 from this week.
