State Highway 2 is closed between the Bayfair Roundabout at Girven Rd and Te Maunga intersection at State Highway 29A while some final elements of the SH2 bridge, part of the Te Maunga interchange, are installed.

The highway was closed at 1am on Saturday January 15 and will remain closed until 5am on Monday January 17 to conduct the bridge construction.

Work will take place during day and night shifts to minimise the closure's duration.

This is a significant closure that will impact travel times for locals and visitors. Please travel outside of this closure where possible, use alternative routes and allow extra time for your journey.

A signposted detour will be available via Girven Road, Maranui Street, Sandhurst Drive and the Sandhurst Drive/Mangatawa Interchange.

Motorists travelling along SH2 towards Papamoa (TEL southbound) are advised to take the detour via Girven Road, Maranui Street, Sandhurst Drive and the Sandhurst/Mangatawa interchange.

For SH2 towards Mount Maunganui and Tauranga (TEL northbound), the detour is via the Sandhurst/Mangatawa interchange, Sandhurst Drive, Maranui Street and Girven Road. the detour is not suitable for HPMV

Visit nzta.govt.nz/temaunga for full detour information.

"Thank you for your patience as this critical work is undertaken," says an NZTA spokesperson.