Summer holidays mean summer renewals in the Bay of Plenty as the government rolls out its $2 billion pothole prevention plan, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

“To complete the volume of road renewals needed, people can expect disruption across the network,”  NZTA’s Bay of Plenty system manager, Sandra King, said in a press release. 
 
This funding boost enables NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to focus on road rebuilding, improving the overall network condition through more intensive treatments, and increasing road surface quality.

“The Bay of Plenty network is heavily used every day by a variety of road users, including freight operators, commuters, and tourists,” said  King.

Nearly 110 lane kilometres in the Bay of Plenty will either be rebuilt or resealed over coming summers, with a significant portion of this planned to take place over the next six months.”
 
Lane-kilometre means a kilometre-long segment of roadway that is a single lane in width.
 
Road reconstruction often requires replacing most or all of the road layers, which is intensive work, with some sections under construction for long periods, according to the NZTA.
 
“We’re looking at how we can minimise disruption by thinking differently and challenging ourselves and our suppliers to be as efficient and effective as possible.” 

There is a focus on State Highway 29, specifically near Hanga Road, the Kaimai Café and the Kaimai School. 

The NZTA will use various methods to minimise impacts on traffic,  and most of the work will be done at night and start this month.

Road closures will allow workers to get in and out of various work sites safely and quickly - with fewer road cones.

The reconstruction often requires replacing most or all of the road layers, with some sections under construction for long periods, King said.

Road works around the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Image/ supplied

The State Highway Two renovation project started early, with two worksites between Paengaroa and Ōtamarākau halfway through construction.
 
As much work as possible will be finished before Christmas, followed by a short break over the holiday period. Work will then resume in autumn.

 Road works around the Western Bay of Plenty. Image/ supplied

“With so much work taking place, it is inevitable road users will come across worksites and traffic management. When you see roadworkers out on the road, travel safely through their worksites, follow signage and any instructions you receive, and give them a wave to say thanks for their tremendous work,” King said.