As people continue to make the most of the fine weather, they will notice road contractors also taking advantage of the hot, dry conditions for road maintenance programmes across the Bay of Plenty state highway network.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and its contractors are completing an ambitious programme to improve safety and resilience of the network, says Bay of Plenty maintenance and operations system manager Roger Brady.

It is important that contractors make the most of the summer months in which they are able to reseal and re-construct roads, he says.

'Some areas can only be resealed within specific windows due to the micro-climate conditions and we are also trying to complete major works before schools return and traffic volumes return to normal,” says Roger.

'Currently contractors are working hard to complete a number of high-profile sites ahead of the Auckland Anniversary Weekend, when most sites will be shut down or completed by midday Friday, January 28, before works re-commence at 9am Tuesday, February 1.

'One thing that has come to our attention is reports of a number of our crews across the region experiencing abuse from travelling motorists, as well as items such as drink bottles being thrown from moving vehicles,” says Roger.

'Crews are working hard in hot conditions, and while we realise the delays can be frustrating, this behaviour in not acceptable.”

NZTA's key focus is to keep people using the roads and the contractor crews safe. If necessary, Police will be notified, warns NZTA.

Current roadworks in the Bay of Plenty

Western BOP

• SH2 Takitimu Drive/Waihī Road overbridge: A 500m section of SH2 Takitimu Drive under the Waihī Road overbridge is reduced to one lane in each direction until approximately the end of January, and the Waihī Road/Takitimu Drive on-ramp and off-ramp (Koromiko Street) is closed with detours in place.

Resurfacing works are progressing well; with traffic volumes increasing as people return to work delays of 10-15 minutes can be expected during peak times. More information.

SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road: The eastbound lanes between Pāpāmoa and Paengaroa will be closed between 6am and 1pm on Saturday 22 January as part of the cycle route for the Mount Festival of Multisport. The alternative route for motorists during this time will be via the Te Puke Highway.

Please be advised there will be one active traffic management site and a 30km/h temporary speed limit as part of the Kaituna riverbank strengthening works, near Te Puke. More information.

• SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa: Safety improvement works at four active sites: between Athenree Road and Tanners Point Road, Rea Road / Tetley Road intersection, Lund Road to Sargent Drive and Apata Station Road to Esdaile Road. More information.
• SH29A Matapihi: Contractors will be removing vegetation that is encroaching on power assets adjacent to SH29A in Matapihi on Saturday 22 January. An eastbound lane will be closed between 9am and 4pm.

Rotorua

• SH36 Rotorua to Tauranga: Night time closures of SH36 between Hamurana Road (Rotorua-Tauranga turn-off) and Te Matai Road will be in place between 7pm and 5am until Thursday 27 January to carry out chipseal, asphalt and drainage works.
• SH5 Tarukenga to Ngongotahā: Remaining road widening and further barrier installation, landscaping and road rehabilitation are underway. These works are expected to be complete late-February 2022.
• SH30 Te Ngae Road, Iles Road to Basley Road: Construction for the SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage Two is expected to start in late-January / early-February 2022. Traffic management will be in place.
• SH33 Maniatutu: Chipsealing work will be undertaken between Allport Road and Maniatutu Road on Sunday 23 and Monday 24 January.
• SH30 Horohoro: Road rehabilitation works commence on a 500m section of road between Collier Road and Apirana Road. Works will take place between 6:30am and 6:30pm, from Monday 24 January until mid-February. At times temporary traffic lights will be utilised overnight, with 5-10 minute delays expected when these are active.

From Monday 24 January four chipseal sites will be undertaken between Collier Road and Nicholson Road

Eastern Bay of Plenty

• SH2 Waioeka Gorge: HPMV strengthening work on four bridges in the Waioeka Gorge started 17 January 2022 and will continue through to April 2022. The bridges are Owhiritoa Stream Bridge, Omaukora Bridge, Gibson Bridge and Sandys Bridge.

Chipsealing continues in the Waioeka Gorge between Waiata Road and the Gisborne/BOP boundary.

• SH2 Pekatahi Bridge Closure: Bridge deck repairs and resurfacing activities will take place between 8am and 4pm on Monday 24, Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 January. During these times a detour will be in place through Whakatāne. On Thursday 27 and Friday 28 January the bridge will be open, but with a reduced speed limit, to allow the new surface to bed in safely. More information.