A small section of Te Puke Highway will be closed next week.

Weather permitting, maintenance work will start Wednesday, April 21, on Te Puke Highway between Bell Road and Welcome Bay Road, says a statement from Tauranga City Council.

"Breakdowns in the road seal may increasingly pose a safety risk for drivers, making it important to improve the road condition ahead of winter," says a council spokesperson.

"A small section of Te Puke Highway, around Broken Hill, is too narrow to allow work to be completed safely while keeping two lanes of traffic open.

"This means a lane closure will be in place for up to three days while this section is repaired."

For the duration of the lane closure, traffic heading towards Te Puke from Papamoa will be diverted along Tara Road, Parton Road and Bell Road.

VMS signs will advise motorists of the upcoming work and diversion signs will be in place during the detour.

Traffic travelling from Te Puke towards Tauranga will continue to use Te Puke Highway, with speed restrictions in place.

"With work of this nature, bad weather could cause the work to be postponed," says council.

"We are monitoring a weather warning for Tuesday which may see the timing changed, VMS signs will keep motorists updated.

"We appreciate drivers' patience and apologise for any inconvenience this work may cause."