NZTA warns of delays as SH33 road rebuild begins near Ōkere Falls

Road crews will begin rebuilding a section of the highway between Ōkere Falls and Whangamarino School from today. Photo / Supplied

A road rebuild on State Highway 33 in the Bay of Plenty will affect travellers for the next eight weeks.

Road crews will begin rebuilding a section of the highway between Ōkere Falls and Whangamarino School from today.

The work is expected to be completed on December 5, with the crew working weekdays only, from 6am to 5pm.

The road rebuild process involves removing the existing road surface and replacing it with a new one layer by layer, NZTA said.

Worksite details. Image / NZTA

“To enable the work to happen safely, traffic management will be in place with lane closures between Hamurana Rd and Ōkere Falls, Monday to Friday, between 6am and 5pm.

“There will be stop/go and speed restrictions to keep everyone safe. Once the work is completed, traffic management will remain in place for up to 48 hours until line marking is completed.”

NZTA asked people to “drive carefully through the work zone and follow all posted signs and instructions”.

It said this work was weather-dependent and may be extended beyond the planned completion date.