Temporary speed limits back again for showgrounds traffic

Temporary speed restrictions will be in place at various sites across the region during Labour Weekend. A-CCN011112 PHOTO/File

Temporary speed limits are set to be put in place on State Highway 2 around the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds from Thursday.

With the Royal New Zealand Show set to be staged the New Zealand Transport Agency has brought in the temporary limits as in previous years.

"As usual there will be heavier than normal flows in the area," NZTA spokesman Oliver Postings said.

The show, coupled with Labour Day, has also led to the Te Pohue region of SH5 between Napier and Taupo being listed as a holiday weekend "hot spot".

It is one of several North Island "hot spots" and is based on previous years' travels patterns.

For westbound traffic the busy times will be on Friday between 9am and noon and Monday between 10am and 1pm.

On Labour Day Monday, for eastbound traffic, the busiest time is likely to be between 1.30pm and 5pm.

Motorists can expect some delays and are being advised to drive with patience and care.

Labour Weekend also coincides with the 150th anniversary street parade in Waipukurau which is being staged on Saturday and for the duration of the parade traffic will be diverted away from the main street to the Peel St bypass.

Motorists using SH2 north between Wairoa and Morere and SH50 between Kereru and Takapau can expect minor travel delays as temporary speed limits and stop-go signalling is in place while seal repairs are carried out.

Drain clearing contractors are also at work between Wairoa and Whakaki with some minor delays expected.

On SH2 south between Waipawa and Takapau seal repair crews are at work on several sites with speed restrictions in place.

The stretch of SH2 in Napier around Corunna Bay will see a one lane closure while Napier City Council contractors carry out sewer pipe reclining work.

Motorists driving near some schools in the region will also have seen work taking place as special warning zones, in distinctive red, have been put in place to indicate to drivers they are entering a school zone.