Water rally will cause traffic delays at Hawke's Bay showgrounds

Tractors and farm machinery will be among vehicles in the WCO rally today. Photo/File

The New Zealand Transport Agency is warning of the potential for "significant delays" on the State Highway 2 stretch between the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds and Farndon Park in Clive this afternoon as the Water Conservation Order rally is staged.

An NZTA spokesman said motorists were advised to use alternative routes from midday to mid-afternoon.

The rally will see a string of vehicles including tractors and agricultural machines setting out from the showgrounds at 12.30pm for the rally venue in Clive, where events are set to get under way at 1.15pm.

People who set out to travel along that stretch at that time can expect to add about 10 minutes to their journey.

Motorists travelling SH2 south between Hastings and Takapau won't have their travel times affected but they are being advised to drive with caution along some sections as roadmarking work is being carried out this week and heavy vehicles will be operating.

On the northern stretch of SH2 there are likely to be slight delays between Morere and Tutira as road repair work is carried out.

Temporary speed limits and stop-go signalling will be in place.

Occasional speed restrictions along with road shoulder closures are also in place on SH50 near Links Rd where power pole relocation work is being carried out and between Maraekakaho Rd and Kereru Rd where poles are being replaced.