Work is to begin next week on connecting the Maungatapu Underpass project with the existing local roads.

From April 16, there will be lane diversions, speed restrictions, unsealed surfaces, off peak and night works on Welcome Bay Road near Greenwood Park.

On Welcome Bay Road, near Awanui Place, there will be lane diversions in place, speed restrictions and temporary pedestrian diversions.

This work will affect travel through the area, and is expected to take up to two weeks during the school holidays. The work is weather dependent.

NZ Transport Agency Projects Team Manager, John McCarthy says the agency will do as much work as it can during the school holidays to minimise the impact on traffic.

'A majority of the work will be done at night however road users can expect some delays during the day due to speed restrictions.

'We understand delays can be frustrating but we'd like to urge people to take care when travelling through these areas, and understand the responsibility they have to protect themselves and their passengers, as well as all other road users and construction workers."

Resurfacing work of the SH29A Hairini and Maungatapu roundabouts is expected to take place in mid-May, while work to connect the underpass with Turret Road and with Hairini Street is expected to start in late-May. This work is also weather dependent.

The work on the underpass is expected to be completed in June, weather and other factor permitting. However there will still be work that needs to be completed on the local roads that tie in to the project.

Once completed, the $45 million Maungatapu underpass will be a two-lane link underneath the Maungatapu roundabout and a separated cycle and walk way, that will improve the traffic flow on the state highway around the Maungatapu and Hairini roundabouts.

The underpass will separate state highway and local traffic, and make travel safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Read more about the project here.