Road users who travel on the stretch of State Highway 2 between Awakeri and Taneatua in the Eastern Bay of Plenty are advised that a detour via State Highway 30 and Whakatane will be in place from next week, while work is carried out on Pekatahi Bridge.
The detour wasexpected to apply for at least three months to allow the bridge's deteriorating timber deck to be replaced and the existing railway tracks to be removed, the New Zealand Transport Agency said in a statement.
The detour via State Highway 30, Hinemoa St and Arawa Rd in Whakatane and Taneatua Rd will add about 20 minutes to a journey, with longer delays possible during peak periods.
Road users will need to use this alternative route from Tuesday February 7 until the essential maintenance work is completed.
The Transport Agency has apologised in advance for any inconvenience and thanked motorists for their patience while the works were under way.
As the detour route passes through the Whakatane urban area the Transport Agency would like road users to take extra care when travelling through the town.
