Motorists who regularly travel to and from Matamata via State Highway 24 will be affected by a month-long detour from Monday.

The New Zealand Transport Agency says SH24, near the intersection with Old Te Aroha Road, will be closed for up to four weeks to allow works to be carried out on the Waiomou Stream Bridge.

'A full road closure is needed while the bridge is strengthened and the deck is repaired. Once the work is finished heavy trucks will be able to use that route to access Matamata and beyond,” says an NZTA spokesperson.

While the works are carried out, south-bound traffic from Matamata on SH24 will be detoured down Te Poi Road to SH29. Motorists are being asked to allow an extra two minutes for travel.

While north-bound traffic heading towards Matamata will be detoured at SH27, with motorists being asked to allow an extra seven minutes of travel time).

Local residents and traffic needing to access properties off SH24 will have access maintained for the north and south to the bridge.

A temporary speed limit for 50km/h will also be in place at the intersection of SH27 and SH29.

'The NZ Transport Agency would like to apologise in advance for any frustrations caused while this essential work is carried out.”