AIMS Games is starting again with the first official day starting Sunday September 9.

The games are running through till Friday September 14, and are running at 19 different venues across the city.

A free park and ride service, provided by Tauranga City Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council, will run throughout the tournament. Free parking will be available at Gordon Spratt Reserve and ASB Baypark Arena.

This bus service will run between Gordon Spratt Reserve, Papamoa Plaza, ASB Baypark Area, Baywave, Blake Park, Mt Maunganui Hot Pools and return with buses running every 30 minutes.

Bayhopper buses are also free for Anchor AIMS Games participants, team coaches and referees throughout the games.

Traffic during AIMS Games:

SH2 Maunganui Road and SH29A near Baypark: There is a 50km/h temporary speed limit throughout the Baypark to Bayfair Link project as construction of two new flyovers and improvements to the roundabouts continue. There are narrow lanes and shoulder closures throughout the project area, which includes the busy Maunganui Road near the Bayfair Shopping Centre and the roundabouts near ASB Baypark Arena.

AIMS Games competitors and supporters are reminded to use designated footpaths and crossings.

The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists to plan their journey before heading out in the Bay of Plenty during the annual AIMS Games. Motorists can use the Transport Agency website before travelling on state highways to choose the best routes and times to start their journeys.

'Please allow extra time while travelling as there will be an increase in traffic during the day particularly before and after school hours on roads leading to our large sports grounds.”

Traffic Report:

City Centre:

Spring Street: access is open through Spring Street from Grey Street and Durham Street. However, there is still work happening at the Durham Street/Spring Street intersection for the next few months, so there are only left turns available at this intersection from Spring Street. There continues to be no through access from Cameron Road to Durham Street on Spring Street.

Durham Street: Durham Street remains a one-way street from Spring Street to Elizabeth Street.

'Please respect the signage and directions of the traffic controllers on site for everyone's safety,” says the NZTA.

'All businesses on Durham Street are open as usual.”

Beyond the city centre:

Greerton Village: Significant traffic safety and streetscape improvements are underway. Works will last until December. Every effort is being made to keep traffic and parking disruption to a minimum.

Kennedy Road (Between Pyes Pa Road and Mortlake Heights): The through-road is closed to the public due to major upgrading works. The works are due for completion in October.

Mortlake Heights extension (formerly part of Kennedy Road): Upgrading of the road in preparation for the opening of a new primary school. Construction works are due for completions in October.

Pyes Pa Road (Kennedy Road intersection): Construction of a shared pathway. The works are due for completion in October.

Moffat Road/Beaumaris Boulevard: Roading improvements are due to re-commence at this intersection from September 3. Works are expected to take six weeks, weather permitting. Speed will be reduced to 30kph through the work site with lane closures at times.

Construction Sites:

Sites to watch for:

119 Devonport Road – Farmers building corner of Devonport Road and Elizabeth Street.

2 Domain Road – Corner Papamoa Beach Road, Domain Road and Percy Road.

Matai Street – Between Maunganui Road and Miro Street.

227 and 297 Maunganui Road – Be aware of truck movement and access to the May Street car park will be affected.

6 Cliff Road – Park Street between Willow Street and Cliff Road has been reduced to one lane. A section of Cliff Road next to the Monmouth Redoubt has also been closed for the duration of the works.

Cnr Norris Street/10th Avenue – Construction at Metlifecare Resthome.

51 The Strand – Between Harington Street and Hamilton Street. Lane closure with road closures at times.

71 Devonport Road – Be aware of truck movements.

Road Closures:

Harington Street Road Closure: Hamilton Street is closed to all through traffic outside the Harington Street carpark building construction site. Access to and from Harrington House basement parking will be from Willow Street only. Access on the library side of Hamilton Street will be maintained at all times and vehicle access will remain to the library carpark, Harrington House and Citizens Advice Bureau. The closure will be in place for about 12 months while the new Harington Street parking building and bike hub is being constructed.

Spring Street Road Closure: Spring Street from Cameron Road to Durham Street will be closed to through traffic at the Spring Street/Durham Street intersection as the underground services are renewed and the streetscape surfacing is completed. Access to the Spring Street section between Cameron Road and Durham Street will be available from Cameron Road only during this time.

Durham Street (from Spring Street to Elizabeth Street): Durham Street traffic is one way only from Spring Street to Elizabeth Street. The best access to Durham Street traffic is from Wharf Street. Access from Elizabeth Street into Durham Street is closed until further notice. Access to the car park building and local businesses is from the Spring Street end of Durham Street only.