UPDATE: Road works cause delays (+video)

Motorists heading into Rotorua on State Highway 30/Te Ngae Rd this morning experienced delays of more than half an hour due to road works.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is resealing the entire road between Rotoma and Rotorua as well as the road between Rotokawa and Rotorua.

A motorist spoken to by the Rotorua Daily Post said she was delayed by more than half an hour when driving into the city to work.

NZTA spokeswoman Natalie Dixon said work along the stretch of SH30 would be finished by 4pm today, before the peak afternoon traffic period.

"But we do have some of the same work underway on SH33 at the Sun Valley curves tomorrow and people travelling through should allow an extra 10 minutes," she said.

NZTA journey manager Nigel D'Ath said summer was the best time to reseal roads, as the warm temperatures and dry air helped the new seal to stick to the existing road surface.

"We know roadworks can be a bit of a headache for motorists, but resealing the roads keeps people safe on our highways," he said.

Mr D'Ath said workers would focus on reducing delays where they could, and on some high volume traffic areas the work would be done overnight.

"We also limit works during holiday periods including Christmas, New Year, anniversary weekends and Waitangi weekend," he said.

He said drivers were likely to encounter speed restrictions and other traffic management at roadwork sites over the next few months and should get in the habit of allowing extra time for their journeys.

Mr D'Ath said checking the Transport Agency's website before packing up the car could help people choose the best routes and times to travel.

People can get information on road works and detours in the region they are in, or travelling to, by going online and checking www.nzta.govt.nz/summerjourneys, by calling (0800) 444 449 or following the Transport Agency on Facebook or Twitter.

"Picking up your mouse or your smartphone before you pick up your keys and planning your journey could save you a lot stress and unnecessary time on the road," Mr D'Ath said.