Tauranga SH2 maintenance: Dates, closures and detours for March work

A detailed map showing where the works are taking place on SH2. Image / NZTA

A new round of State Highway 2 maintenance “super weekends” will take place across Tauranga this month, beginning with Takitimu Drive.

The works started on Takitmu Drive today and are expected to continue until March 8.

The super‑weekend approach was successfully trialled last year, enabling crews to work continuously 24/7 over several days, NZTA said in its latest update.

“This uninterrupted schedule allowed significant progress to be made, and as a result, three further super weekends are planned for March. Each work programme begins at 6pm on Friday and runs through to 6am the following Monday,” the roading agency said.

“The work involves removing the existing asphalt surface and rebuilding the road layer by layer. Noise and vibration are expected while this work is underway. Once resurfacing is complete, line marking will be reinstated.”

SH2 Takitimu Drive (southbound)

This resurfacing work, originally scheduled for February 13 but postponed due to weather, will focus on the southbound outer lane (towards Tauriko) between the Chapel Street on‑ramp and the Elizabeth Street roundabout.

Night closures (6pm–6am): Both southbound lanes will be closed between Chapel Street on‑ramp and the Elizabeth Street roundabout. Traffic will detour via Chapel Street, Cameron Road and Elizabeth Street back onto SH2 (and vice versa).

Daytime traffic (6am–6pm): One southbound lane will remain open with reduced speeds through the worksite. Expect delays due to narrower lanes and ongoing activity.

Tauranga Eastern Link (Sandhurst Dr to Baypark) – westbound

Crews will resurface a section of the Tauranga Eastern Link westbound lanes (towards Mount Maunganui) between Sandhurst Drive and the SH2/SH29A Baypark interchange.

An overnight detour will be in place for westbound travellers via Truman Lane, rejoining SH29A/SH2. Work begins at 6pm Friday, March 13, and continues until 6am Monday, March 16. During the day, one lane will remain open with reduced speeds. Expect delays.

SH2 Te Awanui Drive (Tauranga Harbour Bridge) – southbound

Resurfacing will take place on the southbound lanes (towards Tauranga) between the Whareroa boat ramp and the Tauranga Harbour Bridge.

Lane closures and lane switches will be in place, along with reduced speed limits. Work begins at 6pm Saturday, March 21, and continues until 6am Monday, March 23. Both lanes will reopen during the day on Monday, with final work carried out on Monday night.