A section of College Road in Edgecumbe will be closed to traffic, cyclists and pedestrians for up to five months.

The closure is to allow Bay of Plenty Regional Council contractors to proceed with permanent repairs to the adjacent Rangitaiki River stopbank.

The road closure will begin at 7am on March 19 and will apply to the section between 46 and 80 College Road.

Single-lane access will be available to occupied houses in the area, but there will be no access for through-traffic for the duration of the closure. A detour route will be in place along SH2 Bridge Street, and Rata Avenue.

Directly-affected residents will be notified of the work programme by letter.

The closure will apply to the section between 46 and 80 College Road.