The NZ Transport Agency advises Bay of Plenty and Waikato motorists to start their journey online and plan ahead to avoid delays as road works season ramps up.
Transport Agency work crews are out in force at the moment, 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 three 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 going online and checking www.nzta.govt.nz/summerjourneys(external link) , by calling 0800 444 449 or following the Transport Agency on Facebook or Twitter.
Journey manager Liam Ryan says the Transport Agency’s website can help people choose the best routes and times to travel.
“Picking up your mouse or your smartphone before you pick up your keys and planning your journey could save you a lot stress and unnecessary time on the road,” Mr Ryan says.
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 also detailed below to help people plan ahead:
SH1 Boatie Reserve (graphic of detour attached)
People travelling south on State Highway 1 (SH1) in the Waikato will be managed through roadworks next week, with a detour required at night.
Contractors will be repairing the road surface in the northbound lanes, and carrying out other roadworks on a stretch of highway alongside the Waikato River in Huntly, known locally as Boatie Reserve.
The work will start at 5pm on Sunday February 21 and go through until Friday 26 February.
Construction work will be done at night, 5pm-5am, and the south-bound traffic detour will operate during the same hours.
During the works, there will be no parking alongside the sealed shoulder of SH1 as the whole roadway is needed to get traffic through.
The detour for south-bound traffic is Fletcher Street-Hakanoa Street-Bell Crossing Street. It is suitable for heavy vehicles including HPMV.
Waikato Expressway
Traffic management and speed restrictions are in place along some sections of SH1 as work continues on the Rangiriri and Huntly sections of the Waikato Expressway.
There’s a major shift happening at Rangiriri on Monday 15 February when north-bound traffic moves on to a new lane. Stop-go traffic management will be in place between Rangiriri Road and Te Onetea Stream from 8pm until 5.30am the following day.
South-bound traffic will remain in its current location for a week to allow the median wire rope to be relocated, then will be moved to the old north-bound lane. Speed restrictions will be in place to allow the new road surface to bed in.
Monday night’s switch is weather-dependent, with Thursday 18 February the alternate date.
Lake Taupo relay
People on SH32, SH41 and SH1 near Taupo need to be aware many people will be participating in this year’s Taupo Great Lake Relay on Saturday 20 February.
The walking and running event around the lake starts at 11pm Friday and ends at 6pm the following day.
All roads are open to traffic but care is needed. Walkers and runners will be in coned off sections of the left lane. There will be speed restrictions and no-parking zones at some points.
SH1 Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton
Travellers on SH1 through Hamilton should be prepared for minor delays as work to install traffic lights at the Kahikatea Drive and Gallagher Drive intersection gets underway.
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.
SH2 Seddon Street Roundabout, Waihi
Work to improve the road surface on the Seddon Street roundabout in Waihi gets underway at 7pm on Monday 22 February. A section of SH2 will be closed with a detour via Kenny Street in place.
SH3 – south of Hamilton Airport turn-off
Motorists can expect minor delays for another three weeks 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. Motorists on this route should add a few minutes to their journey times.
SH3/21 roundabout
Work continues on the roundabout being built at the intersection of SH3/21. A temporary diversion road is now in place for all traffic going in and out of SH21.
Stop/go traffic management will be in place at times and drivers are advised to allow for minor delays until the project is completed in May.
Rotorua area
Rotorua motorists are advised to allow extra time when travelling this week 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 some state highway sites.
Motorists are advised to allow and extra 10 to 15 minutes when travelling in the district.
SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi
Motorists travelling on SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi are urged to drive with extra care over the next three months 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 Transport Agency thanks people for their patience during the works.
