The Utuhina Bridge on Lake Rd will be closed to through traffic on Sunday.
Diversions will be in place re-routing traffic through side streets but access will be limited.
Rotorua District Council works manager Peter Dine said the one-day closure was to enable beams and the deck of the newbridge to be lifted into place and for fitting final beams on to the existing structure.
Mr Dine said the work could not be done safely with traffic continuing to use the bridge because of space limitations.
"We have to close the road to through traffic to enable construction of the bridge, which will involve large machinery and trucks delivering decks to the site and two cranes lifting the heavy components into place.
"We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate motorists' patience and co-operation during this time," Mr Dine said.
"Businesses in the area that operate on Sundays will be open for business as usual but we'd recommend people avoid Lake Rd on Sunday if they don't need to be in the area that day."
The $12 million Lake Rd upgrade project involves four-laning the road between the Koutu intersection and Ranolf St. When finished in the new year, the project will effectively double the road's capacity, reduce congestion and journey times, and improve motorist, cyclist and pedestrian safety.
