Recent bad weather has affected state highways across the Bay of Plenty, and with more poor weather forecast, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is advising road users to drive carefully.

Safety is paramount, and maintenance crews will be out this week to ensure our state highways remain resilient over the winter months says Bay of Plenty system manager Roger Brady.

'The recent weather has impacted sections of the network, and disrupted road users. More poor weather is forecast this week, and we are asking everyone to drive to the conditions to ensure they reach their destination safely.

'The Bay of Plenty state highway network is extensive, and road users should expect the unexpected. There may be an issue we haven't been made aware of yet. Please call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS to report any concerns.

'Crews will respond as soon as possible to repair potholes, or to clear slips and debris on the road. Some of these works may be temporary in nature, due to the time of year, and more permanent repairs will be undertaken when sunnier, drier weather returns.”

Affected areas are as follows:

SH29

Road repair work on State Highway 29 between Old Kaimai Rd and Hanga Rd will commence this week.

This work must be completed as soon as possible due to the weather forecast. Work started on Tuesday, May 23, and will continue on Thursday, May 25, Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28 (if required).

Work will take place between the hours of 8am and 4pm each day. Expect delays of up to 20 minutes during work hours.

There will be one lane available in both directions at a reduced temporary speed limit. The passing lane will be closed.

SH30

There are two slips between Matahi Road and SH34 Kawerau Road on SH30.

Work is taking place on the eastern slip today and tomorrow, and the road will be reopened to two-way light traffic by 4pm Thursday afternoon (May 25).

There is still a detour in place for heavy commercial vehicles travelling westbound, from SH30 via SH34 Military Road, SH2, SH33 back to SH30.

The detour is expected to add about 40 minutes to your journey. Eastbound is accessible for heavy commercial vehicles.

The western slip will continue to have stop/go in place. Road users are urged to drive with caution. Manawahe Road is currently closed until further notice due to flooding from the 18km mark through to the intersection with Matahi Road .

SH36

Due to a slip on State Highway 36 Mangorewa Gorge (Tauranga Direct Road), about 500m south of the Mangorewa Track Carpark, caution is advised when driving through this area. Stop/go traffic management is currently in place with a reduced speed limit of 30km/h.

Geotechnical engineers have assessed the slip and we are awaiting their findings. The road is expected to be reduced to one lane for two to three months.

For up-to-date information, motorists are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz).

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWaiBP
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)