Repairs to a major underslip on Galatea Rd will now require the closure of the road until May 18 and will involve delays for motorists.
Originally the Whakatane District Council website stated the part of Galatea Rd where the slip is, 3.6km north of the Matahina Dam, would be closed until April 24.
Work began on the site this week and were anticipated to be completed towards the end of June, with progress dependent on the weather and ground conditions.
Council transportation manager Martin Taylor said the affected section of road was badly undercut during the major weather event that hit the district in April last year, which reduced access to one lane.
"Reinstatement of the damaged section will require the construction of a steel post and timber panel infill wall on the western side of the road, together with significant earthworks, road-widening and drainage improvements."
Due to the extent of the construction work and the need to ensure the safety of contractors and motorists, the section of road under repair would be closed to all traffic for the first stage of the project.
That will require people travelling to and from Galatea and beyond to detour through Tahuna Rd, the alternate route between Galatea Rd and State Highway 30 at Te Teko.
Traffic travelling to and from Te Mahoe Village and the Matahina Dam will also need to use the detour route.
Taylor said the additional traffic volume on Tahuna Rd was not expected to create any serious issues, but advised all road users to exercise caution.
"The council recognises that these essential repairs will create some inconvenience, particularly for people living or working close to the southern side of the worksite.
"Our contractor, Fulton Hogan, will be working hard to complete the repairs quickly, so that the road can be reopened to the public at the earliest possible opportunity."