Road works season underway in Rotorua

The NZ Transport Agency is asking people to allow extra time when travelling around Rotorua and the wider Bay of Plenty, as road works season gets underway.

Transport Agency work crews will be out in force over the next five months, making the most of the warmer, dryer weather over summer to make highways safer, and progress major projects.

Drivers are 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.

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

Transport Agency journey manager, Liam Ryan 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.

Mr Ryan said the Transport Agency was grateful to motorists for their patience and understanding at roadworks sites.

"We understand road works can inconvenience people on their journeys. Dust, noise, speed restrictions and detours can really frustrate drivers and passengers, which is why we're giving people as much information as we can so they can be prepared and avoid frustrating delays.

"The more you plan the better prepared you will be for a more predictable journey."

Road work sites which may cause delays over the next week are detailed below to help people plan ahead:

BAY OF PLENTY

SH35 road closure: SH35 near Maraenui Hill will be closed to traffic for approximately three hours on Tuesday December 1 to allow contractors to carry out rockfall prevention work.

The road will be closed between 11am and 2pm. There is no detour and motorists are advised to plan ahead to avoid the closure or consider delaying travel.

The work is weather dependent and may be postponed.

Contractors will be carrying out other rock fall prevention work along SH35 next week and stop/go traffic management and speed restrictions will be in place at other sites. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when travelling this route.

SH2 and SH34

Reseal sites: Motorists travelling around the East Cape next week are advised to allow extra time for their journey, as contractors carry out road repairs on several sections of the state highways network.

Stop/go traffic management and speed restrictions will be in place at:
* Four sites on SH2 between Paengaroa & Opotiki
* Two sites on SH34 between Awaiti (SH2 intersection) and Te Teko (SH30 intersection)
* Two sites on SH2 Waioeka

SH36 between Tauranga and Rotorua
Fibre optic cabling: Speed restrictions and shoulder closures will be in place between Old Tauranga Rd and Athenree over the next week as contractors continue installing fibre optic cables. Motorists should allow an extra five minutes when travelling through the area.