Traffic travelling north from Tauranga will now be detoured as works continue to build the Te Puna roundabout.
The detour is being trialled around the Te Puna Rd and State Highway 2 intersection. It begins today.
The NZ Transport Agency said removing southbound light vehicles from the site would give the construction team better access and allow them to seal the road more quickly.
The detour could be in place for up to four weeks but the agency would monitor the results and might remove or extend it if necessary.
Heavy vehicles would still need to use the state highway route. Te Puna shops and the local area, including bus stops, could still be accessed while the detour was in place.
The new two-lane new roundabout will replace the Te Puna/Minden Road intersection, which was expected to significantly improve safety for motorists travelling on the route.