Motorists are warned to expect delays on State Highway 29/Takitimu Drive tonight.

NZTA roading contractors are planning on undertaking emergency road repairs ahead of this weekend’s bad weather forecast.

“There will be stop/go traffic management on SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Rd tonight, from 7pm until 5am,” said a spokesperson in a statement.

“Minor delays are expected.

“The work is to repair some pavement defects ahead of the forecast wet weather, which would exacerbate the problem.

“The area is currently under a temporary speed restriction of 50km/h until more permanent asphalt repairs get under way tonight.”

Weather

Heavy rain and strong wind watches have been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taihape, Taranaki and Buller. These begin at midnight tonight and should lapse by 6am Friday.

In the Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau, the rain is expected to start falling about noon on Thursday and won’t stop until the following lunchtime.