Roadworks Ramp Up Across Eastern Bay as Summer Maintenance Begins

Drivers across the Eastern Bay of Plenty are being warned to expect delays and changed traffic conditions as a major summer road maintenance programme gets underway.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is carrying out work across State Highways 2, 30 and 35, with projects planned from Ōpōtiki and Waimana through to Awakeri and other key routes connecting the region. The work forms part of a wider programme delivering about 131 lane kilometres of state highway renewals across the Bay of Plenty this summer.

The biggest upcoming works include a road rebuild through the Waimana Gorge, chipsealing in Ōpōtiki and work on SH30 west of Awakeri.

A road rebuild will begin on SH2 in the Waimana Gorge, south of Tāneatua, from Monday, October 5.

The project is expected to take about 10 weeks, with completion scheduled for early December.

Work will take place between 7.30am and 6.00pm, with stop/go traffic management and a reduced speed limit in place around the clock. NZTA is warning motorists to expect delays while crews work through the gorge.

The route is an important connection for communities travelling between the Eastern Bay and inland areas, meaning motorists are being urged to allow extra time for their journeys.

Road users in Ōpōtiki will also face temporary changes from Monday.

Chipsealing will take place on SH2 between Bridge Street and Wellington Street from 8.00am to 5.00pm, with the highway closed to northbound traffic while the work is underway.

Northbound motorists will be diverted via Wellington Street and Church Street, with a temporary speed limit operating through the worksite.

Further along SH2, work continues at the Wainui Road and Matekerepu Stream Bridge area, where a temporary 30km/h speed limit remains in place until resurfacing is completed.

NZTA also continues construction at the SH2, Ōhiwa Beach Road and Waiōtahe Valley Back Road intersections, where two new teardrop roundabouts are being built.

Traffic is being managed through the area with stop/go controls and a 30km/h temporary speed limit between 7.00am and 6.00pm. The project is expected to be completed in mid-2027.

Motorists travelling west of Awakeri on SH30 should also plan for delays next week.

Around 3km of chipseal work will be carried out between Maunder Road and Western Drain Road from Tuesday, October 6 to Thursday, October 8, between 8.00am and 5.00pm.

SH30 will be closed to eastbound traffic during the work. Drivers heading east will be diverted via SH34 through Ōtakiri and SH2 through Edgecumbe.

Westbound traffic will continue through the worksite under stop/go traffic management and a reduced speed limit.

Bay of Plenty summer renewals programme. IMAGE // NZTA

The Eastern Bay projects are part of a wider Bay of Plenty maintenance programme involving resurfacing, chipsealing and road rebuilding.

NZTA said the work is being carried out during the warmer months to protect the state highway network before roads deteriorate further and require more disruptive repairs.

Drivers are advised to check current road conditions and allow extra travel time before setting out, particularly when travelling through the Waimana Gorge, Ōpōtiki and Awakeri work sites.