A couple of urban state highways in and around Tauranga are set to be refreshed over the next three months in three different locations. 

NZTA Waka Kotahi said these works will result in the rebuild of a section of State Highway 29 near Tauriko and two different sections of State Highway 2 near Elizabeth Street and Hewletts Road.

"This includes new asphalt layers and road markings," an NZTA spokesperson said.

"During work hours there will be lane closures and detours in place. To minimise disruption to motorists all work will be done at night or over a ‘super weekend’ where crews will work 24/7 between Friday, February 21 and Monday, February 24. 

SH2/Elizabeth Street: 

Work kicks off on Friday, February 21 on the northbound slip lane at the SH2/Elizabeth Street roundabout, with a super weekend of work. Crews will be onsite 24/7 from 6pm Friday, February 21 through to Monday, February 24 at 6am.

"Completing this work over three days in a super weekend when there is less traffic on the road without peak traffic flows is a new way of working; the alternative is two weeks of nightworks with various detours and road closures," an NZTA spokesperson said.  

"While this work is taking place this slip lane will be closed, meaning there will be no right hand turn at the bottom of Elizabeth Street towards Mount Maunganui, a detour will be available via Cameron Road."

SH29/SH29 Takitimu Drive toll road: 

From Tuesday,February 25 until Friday, March 14, crews will move to SH29 from Cambridge Road down the hill to the slip lane and on to the Takitimu Drive toll road. Work will be carried out each night from 8pm through to 6am. No work will take place on the weekends.

On Monday, March 3, the road will be closed to eastbound traffic (towards Tauranga) from Cambridge Road to the SH29/SH36/29A roundabout, due to the narrow lane width and equipment required to complete the work. 

SH2 Hewletts Road: 

Lastly, crews will be taking on intersections on SH2 Hewletts Road.

"Work was done on Hewletts Road early in 2024, but the intersections were always programmed to be rebuilt this year."

Work will begin in mid-March and take about six weeks to complete.

"All work will be done at night, more information will be provided closer to the date for this work."

Work Schedule: 

• SH2/Elizabeth Street – From 6pm Friday February 21 to 6am Monday February 24   
• SH29 Cambridge Road to SH29/36/29A Roundabout and toll road slip lane – Tuesday February 25 to Friday March 14
• SH2 Hewletts Road – mid-March to end of April