Drivers Urged to Plan Ahead as Holiday Roadworks Begin

Motorists are being warned to expect delays across the Eastern Bay this Easter and school holidays, with multiple roadwork sites set to impact travel.

From April 7th, stop/go traffic management will be in place as crews begin work in the Waimana Gorge. 

NZTA said a reduced speed limit will also be in place for four weeks as crews repair an underslip. 

After a number of community complaints, the Pekatahi Bridge will be partially closed from April 13th to April 17th for quarterly maintenance. 

The bridge will be closed from 8:30am to 4:30pm to allow crews to complete essential deck repairs and install a new side rail.

Throughout school holidays and Easter weekend stop/go traffic management will continue for the Waioweka Gorge, and Ōhiwa Beach/Waiōtahe Valley Back Road roundabouts. 

Motorists can travel through the gorge from 6am to 8pm, but delays of upto an hour are expected.  

If weather or risk assessments change, the road could be closed at short notice. 

A temporary speed limit of 30 km/h is in place for all roundabouts on the way to Ōpōtiki, with stop/go operating from 7am to 6pm at the Ōhiwa Beach and Waiōtahe Valley Back Road roundabouts. 

Those travelling the East Cape will pass through Tōrere where minor finishing work is underway at two slip sites.

At Waihau Bay, the road is down to one lane, with priority give way operating 24/7 at an underslip.

NZTA said design work is underway for this site. 

NZTA is urging drivers to be patient over the holiday period as traffic congestion is expected. 

Congestion is likely on State Highway 2, between Paeroa and Waihī, and between Tauranga and Katikati as well as on State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range. 

Traffic will be especially heavy on Thursday and Friday this week, and on the return journey on Monday next week. 

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, pack snacks and water, drive to the conditions and stick to the speed limit.