The New Zealand Transport Agency are advising motorists of major roadworks that will start on State Highway 2 on Monday May 20.

The stretch of road that will be affected will be along Takitimu Drive northbound between Elizabeth Street and Chapel Street.

Bay of Plenty System Manager Rob Campbell says motorists can expect significant delays for the next three weeks.

'We are asking people to use an alternative route if possible.”

Most of this section of road is around 15-years-old and this work will be to rebuild the left northbound lane which carries most of the heavy traffic towards the harbour bridge.

'This road is very busy with around 25,000 vehicles using it per day, and at peak hour we can see up to 2,000 vehicles per hour.

'Our contractors will be working day and night six days a week to get the job done as efficiently as possible.

'The work has been programmed to minimise noise at night as much as possible, but some people may hear machinery operating overnight,” says Rob.

'We thank motorists, local businesses and the wider community for their patience during this time and ask drivers to take extra care when travelling through the work site.”