Roadworks and highway closure planned

The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists to plan their journey before heading out in the Bay of Plenty - with roadworks and a closure planned over the coming days.

State Highway 5 at Tumunui, 17km south of Rotorua will be closed for up to two hours from 10am tomorrow while emergency repairs are undertaken on the temporary road.

Motorists are advised to expect lengthy delays and consider using an alternative route.

Transport Agency contractors have been undertaking major repairs at the site after the road was damaged by a natural process called tunnel erosion.

Motorists are urged to consider using an alternative route such as State Highway 1 and State Highway 30. Cars and non-heavy vehicles can also use SH5- Tumunui Rd, on to Corbett Rd, on to Hossack Rd, on to Waikite Valley Rd and then back to SH5.

Work is also continuing on the upgrade to the intersection at Iles Rd and Te Ngae Rd (SH30), also known as Lynmore Junction.

Lights and a controlled pedestrian crossing are being installed as part of the Lynmore development.

Initial work will be done off the state highway, such as relocating services (storm water, power, gas etc.).

The next step will be to widen the road and install the traffic lights. Temporary pedestrian and cycling access is signposted.

The work is expected to be finished by mid-November. Motorists can expect some delays while work is being carried. To avoid any potential delays Lynmore residents can use alternative routes such as Vaughn Rd and Tarawera/Lynmore connections.

All works are weather dependent and may be postponed if necessary.

Motorists can use the Transport Agency website before travelling to choose the best routes and times to start their journeys.

For real time information on highway conditions and incidents or to report issues on the network visit the Transport Agency's traffic and travel page, call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) or by following the Transport Agency on Facebook or @nztawaibop on twitter.

Motorists can also go to Drivelive, a dedicated website that tells people what the current travel times are to get to key places around the North Island.