Motorists heading through the Lower Kaimai area on State Highway 29 are being advised to allow extra travelling time as major road works get underway.

This week marks the start of a major road replacement project which will see the widening and rehabilitation of a 1100m stretch near Soldiers Road.

Road works have begun on State Highway 29 near Soldiers Road. Photo: NZTA.

The NZ Transport Agency says stop/go signs, 30km/h speed restrictions and lane closures will be in place near Soldiers Road while the project is undertaken.

For safety reasons, the eastbound passing lane will be closed during the work.

To reduce the impact on motorists on this busy highway and key freight route, work will be done outside peak traffic times, from 9am - 4pm each day.

The project is expected to run through until June.

'Please slow down, keep to the speed limit, and allow extra travel time,” says NZTA.