Roadworks continue in the Bay

Photo/File

The NZ Transport Agency urges Bay of Plenty motorists to leave extra time when travelling this month as work continues on major projects and roadworks.

Transport Agency work crews are out in force at the moment, making the most of the warmer, drier weather to maintain the state highways and progress projects such as the Tauranga's Maungatapu underpass.

Bay of Plenty travellers can also go to www.drivelive.nz/tauranga, a dedicated website that tells drivers what the current travel times are to get to key places.

Roadworks that are scheduled to start in the next week or are currently underway are detailed below to help people plan head when travelling:

Bay of Plenty

SH29A Maungatapu underpass

This Sunday 20 March the project will tick off a significant milestone with the installation of the bridge beams on the western bridge. Traffic management will be in place from 5am through to 3pm with the closure of one lane at the Maungatapu roundabout. This will only affect drivers heading towards either Maungatapu or Mount Maunganui. Minor delays can be expected. The work is weather dependent.

SH36 between Rotorua and Tauranga

Motorists travelling between Tauranga and Rotorua on SH36 are advised to expect delays during March as contractors carry out rockfall prevention work in the Mangorewa Gorge.

Speed restrictions and traffic lights will be in place at times from until the end of March. Please allow an extra 10 minutes for your journey.

In addition, a reseal is planned next week near the one lane bridge at Mangapouri. This work is weather dependent but is currently scheduled for Tuesday.

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 and expect minor delays.

SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi

Motorists travelling on SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi are urged to drive with extra care as work continues on a major safety upgrade.

A section of highway between Wainui South Road and Sargent Drive is being repaired and widened, and a wire rope central median barrier installed to prevent head on crashes.

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.

Te Puke Highway

Motorists using the Te Puke Highway during March are advised to allow extra time when travelling as road reconstruction work is expected to cause delays.

Contractors are digging up and removing the old road and replacing it with new pavement before sealing and roadmarking.