Road users will notice more construction crews across the Bay of Plenty region as the 2025/2026 construction season gets under way.

From rebuilding sections of state highway to laying fresh asphalt and carrying out regular summer maintenance, the focus this summer is on keeping roads safe, efficient and reliable.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Bay of Plenty system manager Sandra King said this season’s programme was about more than just repairs.

“It’s about strengthening the network, so it remains safe, reliable and ready to meet the needs of all road users.

“The key corridors that we’ll be targeting this season are SH29 from Tauriko to the Kaimai Summit, SH2 between Bethlehem and Bayfair and extending eastwards to Ōtamarākau, as well as SH5, SH30, SH30A and SH33 in the Rotorua area.”

People will notice more crews and work sites from now through to the end of March 2026.

“We’re doing as much work as possible between now and mid-December to reduce the impact on people’s journeys during the busy holiday season,” said King.

“To achieve this, we’re also heavily reliant on the weather and other factors co-operating.”

This year’s maintenance programme aims to renew around 45 single-lane kilometres in the Bay of Plenty, to give drivers safer, smoother journeys and to keep our state highways in good condition.

Bay of Plenty highways are set for busy summer maintenance. Image / NZTA

“We appreciate road users slowing down through our worksites, helping keep our crews safe as they work long hours, day and night, throughout summer, while others are out enjoying their road trips.

“Slowing down through work sites helps keep everyone safe. Road conditions may be unfamiliar or changing, so it’s important to stay alert and reduce your speed. Slow down. Be alert. Be safe.”

To find out more about the upcoming maintenance season, sign up to receive your regional newsletter here or visit our website.

The sites that will be the most disruptive over the summer months are indicated on the map attached.

How to be safe around roadworks:

With an increase in roading crews expected across the highways, drivers are asked to “please watch out for any road workers”.

“We care about our team and believe everyone has the right to return home to their whanau at the end of the day,” said NZTA.

“Always reduce your speed, adhere to the temporary speed limits and follow the traffic management directions at our work sites.”

NZTA said it’s important to slow down through newly sealed sections of road because small chips can be flicked up from the road surface and damage vehicles – especially windscreens.

“That’s why we often keep temporary speed limits in place even after it looks like the work has been completed.

“As well as safety, the temporary speed limit also helps ensure the quality of the reseal.”

The roading agency said travelling at the posted temporary speed limit allows for the chips to be embedded into the road surface and for them to remain in place as the seal cures.

“Please be patient with our crews as they set up and pack down work sites including placing or removing cones and signage.

“Overtaking these working vehicles can be dangerous to our teams on the trucks but also to vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.”

If you have any concerns or require information about works in your area, call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 444 449).