With rain forecast for much of the Waikato and Bay of Plenty region over Auckland Anniversary weekend, road users are being asked to plan ahead to ensure they can make the most of their holiday.

While the majority of worksites across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty were shutdown at midday Friday, weather related road closures are possible.

State Highway 25A between Kopu and Hikuai has been closed for the foreseeable future, says Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport System Waikato system manager Cara Lauder.

'Continued movement at this site, which first showed signs of cracking on Monday, January 16, has forced the closure.

'The road is just not safe currently, with the previously available lane deforming significantly this morning. We appreciate this will cause additional travel time for those holidaying on the eastern side of the Peninsula, however the safety of road users and our crews is paramount.

'We are also aware that other locations around the region are experiencing slips or other water-induced issues. Road users need to be prepared for delays, detours and other forms of disruption”

'Even with the poor forecast, traffic volumes are expected to be high over the weekend, especially on key routes to popular holiday hotspots.

'Our Holiday Journey Planner (https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/holiday-journeys) shows the expected peak traffic periods for routes such as SH2 towards the Coromandel from both Auckland and Tauranga.

'It also pays to check the Journey Planner (www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz) on the day, as there may be incidents on the network that affect the timing of the expected peak periods.

'Planning ahead also means thinking about rest breaks. Once on the road enjoy the journey, take your time and reach your destination ready for a great weekend.”