Traffic delays are expected for residents and commuters in the Poike and Ohauiti area from April 11-18 while Poike Road is closed for essential work on Tauranga's water trunk main pipeline.

Tauranga City Council advises people to plan their travel ahead of time.

Two worksites will be located on Poike Road either side of Hollister Lane. The road will be completely closed to right-turning traffic out of Hollister Lane outside 107 Poike Road.

Left-turning traffic will have limited one-lane access from 6am-9am. Vehicles wanting to turn right into Hollister Lane from Poike Road will have limited one-lane access again from 4pm-6pm.

Poike Road will be fully closed 9am- 4pm and again 6pm-6am with detours in place, says a Tauranga City Council spokesperson.

"The water trunk main pipeline located under the ground on Poike Road needs to be strengthened before an important retaining wall opposite the corner of Hollister Lane and Poike Road can be replaced.

"The work is scheduled in the Easter school holidays to reduce traffic disruption.

"All bus stops on Poike Road and three stops on Hollister Lane will be closed while the road closure is in place.

"Temporary stops will be in place on Harrisfield Drive near Poike Road. Baybus will be running an additional shuttle bus service from Windermere Drive to Hollister Lane."

There will still be full pedestrian/cyclist access around both work sites, via the pedestrian footpath, says council.

"Council asks that people please follow all signage and any instructions from work staff onsite and appreciates the community's patience and understanding while this essential work is completed.

"Construction of the retaining wall will likely start at the end of April and will include a one-lane closure of Poike Road. More information will be made available closer to the time."

For more information visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/roadclosures