Motorists across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty are being urged to plan ahead as a series of roadworks – some delayed by bad weather – are set to impact travel over the coming weeks.

Chipsealing Delayed on SH2

Chipsealing work between the Athenree rest area and north of Tauranga on State Highway 2 has been delayed due to recent weather. The work is now expected to begin late next week and take two days to complete, with stop/go traffic management and speed restrictions in place until the surface settles.

Tree Removal and Service Relocation

Contractors will also be completing tree removal between Apata and Te Puna on SH2. Meanwhile, on SH29 near Ōmanawa Rd, service relocation work is due to begin next week as part of the Ōmanawa Bridge replacement project. This will involve a temporary speed limit and single-lane traffic in both directions for 4–6 weeks.

Night Works on SH29

Night works are scheduled on SH29 from Gargan Rd to Tauriko Village, with lane shifts, line marking and barrier installations planned between October 28 and November 2. A three-way stop/go system and 30km/h speed limit will be in place.

Upcoming Resurfacing and Closures

From Sunday, November 2, resurfacing will begin near Ainsworth Rd on SH2, running for five nights with overnight stop/go traffic control and daytime speed restrictions. Additionally, the Kaimai Range section of SH29 will close nightly from November 30 to December 4 for urgent scaling and maintenance work.

Ongoing Projects

Several long-term projects continue to affect traffic:

SH2 at Rogers Rd, Pukehina is undergoing a 10-week rebuild.

A major rebuild on SH29 near Valley View Rd will continue into early 2026, with contraflow and stop/go systems in place.

Multiple worksites remain active on SH29 between Gargan Rd and Cambridge Rd.

The Takitimu Drive Toll Road and SH2/Fifteenth Ave are under long-term construction with speed restrictions and lane closures.

Intersection upgrades and road widening projects are ongoing at Pahoia/Esdaile, Apata Station Rd and Ōmokoroa Rd.

Rotorua Works

In Rotorua, SH5 southbound near the Ngongotahā roundabout will close overnight on Sunday, November 2 for resurfacing. A detour will be in place. Meanwhile, SH33 between Ōkere Falls and Whangamarino School is undergoing an eight-week rebuild, with weekday lane closures and stop/go traffic management.

Motorists are advised to expect delays, follow posted speed limits and check the NZTA Journey Planner for real-time updates.

– Information from NZTA