Motorists are being advised to expect delays with the closure of Waitaha Road, between James Cook Drive and Welcome Bay Road next week.

Tauranga City Council is closing the section of the road as contractors work to install two large wastewater holding tanks under the road.

A spokesperson for the council says this is important work and it needs to be done to reduce the possibility of wastewater overflows.

The closure is expected to be in place for around four weeks with detours via James Cook Drive and Village Park Drive.

Drivers are being asked to allow extra time for their journey over the next few weeks.