The next phase of Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s $23 million Prole Rd upgrade will soon begin.

A detour at the Prole Road and Ōmokoroa Road intersection is likely to be in place until the end of the year.

From Monday, July 8, access to Prole Road via Ōmokoroa Road will be closed to light traffic on weekdays between 7am and 5.30pm, with a detour in place via the newly opened Heartwood Avenue (via Settler Avenue and Sentinel Avenue), says a statement from the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

"Heavy vehicles and buses will be escorted through the closure as the detour is not suitable for these vehicles. Access will also be given to The Garden Early Childhood Centre and Menzshed," says a council spokesperson.

"The intersection will be fully open outside of these hours, including weekends."

A section of the Pahoia Cycleway, between Prole Road and Heartwood Avenue, is also temporarily closed, says council.

"A public pathway is expected to be completed by Labour Weekend, giving access to Ōmokoroa via the Kaimai Views subdivision. In the meantime, for safety reasons, cyclists and walkers are asked to please avoid the area."

For more information on what the $23m project will deliver once completed visit - $23.5m works to unlock critical housing begin - Western Bay of Plenty District Council