Road works continue in warm, dry weather

Photo/File

Road workers are making the most of the dry, warm weather and drivers have been warned to expect delays around the Bay over the next few months.

Transport Agency journey manager Liam Ryan said summer was the best time to reseal roads, as the warm temperatures and dry air help the new seal to stick to the existing road surface.

Mr Ryan said the agency was grateful to motorists for their patience and understanding at roadworks sites.

"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," he said.

Work sites around the Bay of Plenty that may cause delays are detailed below.

SH36 Mangorewa Gorge between Rotorua and Tauranga
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.

SH36 Tautau Bridge (just south of Pyes Pa School)
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.

SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi
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.

Tauranga Eastern Link
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.

Te Puke Highway
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

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.