Plan ahead and allow extra time when travelling in the Bay of Plenty

Motorists are advised to drive with care and allow extra time when travelling around the Bay of Plenty during the school holidays as work on the Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL) and a major road rehabilitation programme continues.

Speed restrictions and stop/go traffic management will be in place at various sites and delays are possible.

Sites where motorists can expect changes or delays of between five and 15 minutes are detailed below to allow people to plan ahead when travelling.

ROAD CLOSURE: Route K Toll Road
The Route K Toll Road will be closed on Sunday April 12 from 8pm until 5am the following day to allow contractors to install a new electronic tolling gantry. The alternative route to and from the city during the closure is via Greerton and will add an extra seven minutes to normal travel time.

SH29 between Tauranga and Kaimai summit, Passing Lane Pavement Rehab
Stop/ go traffic management and speed restrictions of 30km/h will be in place on a stretch of SH29 near Soldiers Road to allow contractors to rehabilitate a length of highway.
The work started in March and is expected to be completed in July. For safety reasons the eastbound passing lane will be closed during the works. Contractors will work outside peak traffic times, from 9am until 4pm each day, to reduce the impact on motorists.
Motorists will be driving on a metal surface from April 7 and those travelling on this route should allow for delays of up to 10 minutes.

SH2 between Katikati and Waihi, Bridgman Lane Slip Repair
Stop/go traffic management and a speed restriction of 30km/h will be in place on a 400m stretch of SH2, as contractors repair a road slip near Bridgman Lane, near the Athenree Gorge.
The work will continue for approximately five weeks between the hours of 6am and 7pm. A 70kmh speed restriction will be in place outside of the stated work hours.
Motorists are advised to allow an extra 5 minutes when travelling on this route.

SH2 Rangitaiki River Bridge, Edgecumbe
Delays of up to 15 minutes are possible at times as work continues on the Rangitaiki River Bridge.
The bridge will be closed for up to 15 minutes at times over the next 10 weeks as contractors replace bearings on the piers.
There will be approximately three closures a week between the hours of 9.30am and 2pm until the job is complete. Electronic signs will be in place the day before a planned closure to notify motorists so they can plan ahead.
The alternative route is via Te Teko (SH30 and SH34). This route will add approximately 10 minutes to the normal travel time through Edgecumbe.

Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL)
State Highway 2 between Te Maunga and Domain Road
From early April, a variety of temporary traffic management will be in place in preparation for both eastbound (Tauranga to Domain) and westbound (Domain to Tauranga) traffic to be switched onto the westbound lanes.

Saturday 11 April and Sunday 12 April (between 6.00am and 6.00pm)
Westbound traffic (Domain to Tauranga) will be switched on to the new westbound lane during the day, then moved back onto the eastbound lane at night

From 6.00pm on Sunday 12 April through to 6.00am on Monday 13 April
Line marking and road sweeping will be carried out in preparation for the traffic switch when all east and westbound traffic will be moved onto the new westbound lanes. This will allow the contractor to start road surface repairs on the existing eastbound lanes. It is expected this road layout will be in place until the end of April 2015. During this time Bruce Road traffic will be required to use temporary on and off ramp exits.

Monday April 13 (weather permitting)All east and westbound traffic will be moved onto the new westbound lanes. This will allow the contractor to start road surface repairs on the existing eastbound lanes. It is expected this road layout will be in place until the end of April 2015. During this time Bruce Road traffic will be required to use temporary on and off ramp exits. Delays are expected to be minimal. If delayed due to weather the traffic switch will be carried out on the next available day.

For real time information on highway conditions and incidents visit www.nzta.govt.nz call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or follow @nztawaibop on twitter.

For personalised information about driving conditions on their frequently used routes, motorists can check out and sign up to On The Move at www.onthemove.govt.nz.

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