State highway 29 near Maungatapu Bridge closed this morningat 11am – detours in place

Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to and from Mount Maunganui and Papamoa as State Highway 29 near the Maungatapu Bridge will be closed at 11am this morning, says the NZ Transport Agency.

Drivers are advised they can use the following detour options:

To and from Mount Maunganui:

• Hewletts Road and across the Harbour Bridge

To and from Papamoa and Te Puke:

• State Highway 2, Welcome Bay Road and State Highway 29. The Transport Agency says it is unknown at this stage how long this section of highway will be closed, the Agency says it will provide a update once the road is reopened.

Highways Manager, Brett Gliddon says “The road is being closed following a serious crash yesterday afternoon, this closure is to allow for a search and recovery operation to be undertaken.” 

“We apologise to drivers for the inconvenience and thank them for their understanding.”

Motorists can find information about most road closures, detours and road works by calling the NZTA’s free phone on 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49), which can also be used to report any significant road issues or hazards which people may come across during their travels.

The NZTA also uses other technology to provide information to enable drivers to make better informed choices about their travel.  On The Move is a free service which enables people to sign up for information about crashes, road works and driving conditions on their frequently used routes - to sign up, go to www.onthemove.govt.nz(external link)