Te Puna roundabout roadworks at critical stage

The layout of the new roundabout. Photo/file

The roadworks on the Te Puna roundabout on State Highway 2 are at a critical stage as contractors work hard to finish before winter sets in.

Motorists have been advised of further delays in the area as work on the $5.25 milion two-lane roundabout replacing the Te Puna/Minden Rd intersection continues.

Work started in June 2016, initially relocating power services, removing the old Te Puna Hall and forming a new local road into the BP station.

The work was expected to be completed in July this year.

New Zealand Transport Agency highways manager Niclas Johansson said the project was at a critical stage as contractors worked hard to widen the site, construct the roundabout and seal the road before winter set in.

"We're working hard to minimise disruption but due to the nature of this work and the high daily traffic volumes - about 20,000 vehicles each day - some delays are inevitable.

"People should factor in an additional 10 to 15 minutes for journeys during the morning or evening peak," he said.

He said the roundabout was part of an overall plan to reduce death and serious injury crashes on SH2 between Waihi and Tauranga.