UPDATED 3.36pm: A main route between Tauranga and Rotorua may remain closed tomorrow as works continue to reduce the risk of slips in the area.
The road was closed today while works are done on State Highway 36 between Dudley Rd and Te Matai Rd, from 9am to 4pm.
Bay of Plenty police have warned motorists to take it easy with a severe weather warning issued for Rotorua and the Eastern Bay of Plenty today.
A spokesperson said contractors were able to make a good start with diggers and trucks today but the wet weather meant the chopper could not fly in.
EARLIER: A main arterial route to Tauranga closes today, as Bay of Plenty police warn motorists to take it easy amid a forecast of more wet and stormy weather.
A section of State Highway 36 at Mangowera Gorge, between Tauranga and Rotorua, is expected to be closed from 9am until 4pm so a helicopter can flush out soft soil and vegetation above a section of the road.
The works are part of efforts to reduce the risk of slips in the area but were weather dependent.
Heavy rain is expected across the Bay of Plenty from this afternoon.
The police stated that driving conditions were likely to be far from ideal over the next few days so if people were travelling please be prepared and take extra care.
It's a great reminder to do some basic checks on your vehicles, like making sure your lights are all working and your tyres have good legal tred. Allow plenty of time for your trip, drive to the conditions, keep your distance from the vehicle in front, and make good use of those lights that you've checked to ensure you can be easily seen by other drivers, police stated.
The closure time of SH36 was chosen to allow commuter traffic travelling between Rotorua and Tauranga to pass through during peak hours.
Motorists wishing to travel during the closure are advised to use SH2/SH33 via Te Puke.
For real time information on highway conditions and incidents visit www.nzta.govt.nz call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or follow @nztawaibop on twitter.
For personalised information about driving conditions on their frequently used routes, motorists can check out and sign up to On The Move at www.onthemove.govt.nz.