UPDATE 12.53PM: The partial closure of the Bayfair roundabout, which had been scheduled to take place last night, is now scheduled to take place tonight.

The closure was postponed due to unfavourable weather, says a spokesperson for the Waka Kotahi Transport Agency.

"The partial closure will now take place overnight tonight.

"All other details remain the same." (See further down this story for more details.)

In the event of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, work will be postponed. Visit the interactive Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz) for the latest information on roadworks, traffic, road closures and detours to help plan your trip.

"Waka Kotahi thanks local residents, businesses and road users for their patience while we undertake this important work."

EARLIER:

Further changes are required to the entry and exit points to Bayfair Shopping Centre from State Highway 2/Maunganui Rd, as part of the Bay Link project.

The entrance on SH2/Maunganui Road closest to the Bayfair roundabout (opposite Golf 360) will become entry only from this week.

This temporary change is necessary to allow reconstruction of shopping centre entrances and exits adjacent to the Bay Link project and ensure consistency of road surfacing, says a Waka Kotahi Transport Agency spokesperson.

"To minimise disruption, construction of this entrance has been divided into two stages. Stage one began in early February, when this access point was available as an exit only.

"Stage two is effective from this week and is expected to be completed in mid-2021."

While stage two is underway, the following alternatives will be available for motorists wishing to exit the front Bayfair Shopping Centre carpark.

1. Vehicles can exit on to Girven Road around the back of JB Hi-Fi and The Freeport
2. Vehicles can exit at the traffic lights where Girven Road and Gloucester Road meet
3. Vehicles can exit at either of the exits on to Farm Street vehicle access points

Directional signage will be in place on SH2 to assist motorists in accessing the shopping centre while this temporary change is in place.

Updated information about further changes to Bayfair Shopping Centre's entry and exit points will be provided as work progresses.

Partial Bayfair roundabout closure

"The traffic switch on SH2 Maunganui Road near Bayfair roundabout (which was delayed owing to weather) is now scheduled to take place Monday, April 12, between 7pm and 5am (finishing Tuesday morning).

"A partial closure of the Bayfair roundabout is required for this work. During the partial closure, motorists from Girven Road will not be able to travel through the roundabout or turn right on to SH2.

"SH2 southbound traffic will also not be able to turn right on to Matapihi Road. A sign-posted detour will be in place via the Sandhurst Drive/Mangatawa Interchange.

"Please drive with caution through the project site, reduce your speed and follow directions provided. Where possible, please use alternative routes or plan your travel outside these works.

"Waka Kotahi thanks local residents, businesses and road users for their patience while we undertake this important work."

More information about the project can be found on the Bay Link website: www.nzta.govt.nz/baylink

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey this summer. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWaiBP
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)