If you’re driving in and around Te Puke over the next few weeks, it might take you a bit longer than usual to get to where you’re going.

With several road, water and improvement projects about to begin, Western Bay of Plenty District Council is encouraging people to plan ahead and travel with care.

The works include planned upgrades to underground services and roads, as well as beautification of the town centre – alongside an unplanned watermain replacement after a leak was discovered.

The council’s director of transportation Calum McLean said the works may be inconvenient now, but they are an important investment in Te Puke’s future.

“Not all of the work was scheduled – the watermain leak caught us by surprise – but we’re doing our best to coordinate everything and keep disruption to a minimum,“ he said.

“We understand it can be frustrating to have multiple roadworks happening at once, and we’re doing everything we can to keep people moving while this work is under way.”

McLean encouraged people to follow signs, allow extra travel time, and check the council’s Your Place Tō wāhi website, social media and Antenno for updates and detour information.

Roadworks in Te Puke – here’s what you need to know:

Watermain replacement Jellicoe St/Cameron Rd

An underground watermain is being replaced after a leak was discovered at the intersection of Jellicoe St and Cameron Rd.

There are two stages to the works – work started this week on Jellicoe St, which will be followed by works on Cameron Rd from Monday, June 23, to Friday, June 27.

Traffic will be down to a single lane on Cameron Rd from Monday, June 23, with detours in place along Raymond Ave and Queen St.

Boucher Ave Upgrades

From Monday, June 23, a nine-month project will get underway to upgrade the road surface, stormwater system, and drinking water pipes along Boucher Ave and surrounding streets.

The three works are being carried out at the same time because it is more cost efficient and reduces disruption, avoiding the need to return later.

Multiple contractors will work in stages across the area, which includes Boucher Ave, Cameron Rd, Clydesburn Ave, Glen Tce, Randell Pl, No.2 Rd and Dudley Vercoe Dr.

During the project, people will experience stop/go traffic controls, one-way sections of road, temporary changes to property access, short delays, detours via alternate roads, and some daytime noise and vibrations from machinery.

For more information and updates on Boucher Ave, visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/boucher-ave

Te Puke Heritage Plaza Upgrade

From the week of 23 June, work will begin on upgrading the Te Puke Heritage Plaza, the area outside Te Puke Jewellers and My Pharmacy on Jellicoe St.

This will see the area turned into a green space, with nikau palms, garden beds, lighting and seating nooks, where people can pause, connect and enjoy the town centre.

Work will take place between 7am-5pm Monday to Friday, with Saturday work (7am-1pm) if required. The site and a small number of adjacent car parks will be temporarily closed during this time.

People are encouraged to follow signs, allow extra travel time, and check the council’s Your Place Tō wāhi website, social media and Antenno for updates and detour information.

“These projects are all about making Te Puke safer and more enjoyable for everyone. We know it’s a busy time on the roads, so please take care and keep an eye out for updates as the work progresses,” said McLean.

For more information and updates on Heritage Plaza, visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/te-puke-heritage-plaza

People can report any roading issues, or give feedback to the council via the Antenno app.