The NZ Transport Agency is asking people to allow extra time when travelling around the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, as roadworks season continues.
Transport Agency work crews will be out in force over the next few 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 , 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.”
Work sites around the Waikato and Bay of Plenty that may cause delays are detailed below.
Motorists travelling between Tauranga and Rotorua on SH36 are advised to expect delays over the next month as contractors carry out rockfall prevention work in the Mangorewa Gorge. Speed restrictions and traffic lights will be in place at times from February 22 for approximately five weeks.
Please allow an extra 10 minutes for your journey.
Speed restrictions will be in place at times from February 26 until April 30 while contractors carry out works on the bridge. Motorists are advised to drive with extra care in the area.
Rotorua motorists are advised to allow extra 10 to 15 minutes when travelling around the district this month as contractors carry out roadworks and reseals on a number of state highway sites.
Stop/go traffic management, changes to the road layout and speed restrictions will be in place on:
Motorists travelling on SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi are urged to drive with extra care over the next 10 weeks as work continues on a major safety upgrade.
A section of highway between Wainui South Road and Sargent Drive will be repaired and widened, and a wire rope central median barrier installed to prevent head on crashes.
Work started in January and is expected to wrap up in early May.
People should only expect minor delays but are urged to stay alert behind the wheel as there will be significant changes including lane closures, speed restrictions and occasional stop/go traffic management.
The long-life road marking will be applied on the Tauranga Eastern Link expressway and motorway from February 22.
The works will be carried out at night for six weeks. The reason for the long time period is the paint is slow to apply and takes hours to dry.
There will be a semi-static lane closure in place but no speed restriction.
Drivers are asked to take care when driving along this route.
Motorists using the Te Puke Highway during February and March are being advised to allow extra time when travelling, with road reconstruction work expected to cause delays.
Works are continuing along sections of the highway, which involve digging up and removing the old road and replacing it with new roading before sealing and roadmarking.
Contractors are working on a 200m length of road adjacent to the AFFCO Rangiuru entrance. Work here is expected to be complete by early March, with only minor delays.
Work on an 800m section of road between Welcome Bay Road and Bell Road is creating longer delays due to the narrow road width. Traffic control will vary during the works and at times includes an eastbound detour around Tara Road. Heavy traffic will still be able to go through the site although this will be under stop/go control. This section of the project is planned for completion by late March
One of the south-bound lanes on the Ngaruawahia section of the Waikato Expressway will be closed for a week from Tuesday March 1 to allow contractors to carry out road works. Travellers are urged to drive with care.
Fibre optic cable laying through the Karangahake Gorge (SH2) is under way until mid-March. Traffic will be managed through the work under speed restrictions but there will be occasional lane closures and stop-go needed. Five minutes delays are possible.
The north-bound off-ramp at the Hampton Downs interchange will be closed from 9am until 4pm on Monday 29 February while contractors install a 13-metre high pole and signs in the forecourt of the Gull service station.
People wanting to get to the Hampton Downs landfill or Spring Hill Corrections Facility will be detoured up to the Mercer interchange and back, which will add approximately 15 minutes to normal travel time.
Travellers on SH1 through Hamilton should be prepared for minor delays as work is under way to install traffic lights at the Kahikatea Drive and Gallagher Drive intersection.
There will be speed restrictions and traffic management as work moves out into the lanes ahead of a mid-year completion.
Work will be 24-hours and 6 days a week. However night works will not normally take place on Friday or Saturday nights.
Work is well under way on the shared path for cyclists and pedestrians alongside on SH3 in Hamilton.
The $2 million project will see a 3.5km shared path on SH3 Ohaupo Road from Lorne Street to Dixon Road, with an arm up Normandy Avenue to Bader Street. It will be completed in April.
Motorists can expect minor delays for another fortnight as more than 1km of roadworks continue on SH3 just south of the Hamilton Airport turn-off.
Speed restrictions are in place during the work, and while the nearby roundabout is built. The roundabout being built at the intersection of SH3/21 will be completed in May. Motorists on this route should add a few minutes to their journey times.
The Transport Agency thanks people for their patience during the work.
For personalised information about driving conditions on their frequently used routes, motorists can 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 or follow @nztawaibop on twitter.
