Roadworks expected to cause delays

Motorists around the Rotorua and wider Bay of Plenty and Waikato area are being advised to plan ahead and allow extra time while travelling in the area with several big roadwork projects underway.

Heavy rain and other weather events have affected highways in the regions with a small number of slips and damage to roads.

Transport Agency contractors are out in force maintaining the state highways and undertaking vital repairs.

On State Highway 5 at Tumunui, south of Rotorua, motorists should expect lengthy delays and consider using an alternative route as work gets underway next week on a major repair.

Transport Agency contractors will be digging out and replacing a 12m wide, 4m deep stretch of the highway, which has been damaged by a natural process called tunnel erosion.

A 30km/h speed restriction and stop/go traffic management has been in place since the damage to the road first occurred in late July. This will remain in place during the repair.

Motorists should be prepared for delays of up to 15 minutes during work hours and are urged to consider using an alternative route such as State Highway 1 and State Highway 30.

Roadworks are also underway on State Highway 30 at the intersection of Te Ngae Rd and Iles Rd with work starting on installing lights and a controlled pedestrian crossing.

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.

The work is expected to take 12 weeks and will 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

Meanwhile a major slip has closed one lane of State Highway 2 at Waimana Gorge. Traffic management and speed restrictions are in place.