Drivers asked to stick to restrictions during Tukituki Bridge work

Motorists driving over the Tukituki Bridge on State Highway 2 just north of Waipukurau will not see engineering contractors at work but they are being asked to stick to restrictions which have been put in place to allow the work to be carried out safely.

The work crews will be under the bridge strengthening the concrete beams and traffic management signals and speed limits are in place.

Speed restrictions are also in place where major work is being done at the Pakowhai and Links Rds intersection with the expressway.

The area has been described by the NZ Transport Agency systems manager as a well-known danger spot and improving the intersection's safety has become a priority.

The NZTA is working to keep the stretch open to traffic in both directions during the seven-month project but motorists are being advised to seek alternative routes between Napier and Hastings because there will be delays.

A temporary roundabout has been put in place and temporary speed limits imposed.

While the two-lane system will be in place, an electronic signage board will be set up if diversions are needed because of the work.

Motorists using SH2 north are advised road marking is being done at sites between Bay View and Wairoa and caution is required around the mobile marking machines.

Delays have been described as "negligible".

But there will be delays of up to five minutes on SH5 between Napier and Taupo as surface repairs are carried out between Tarawera and Te Pohue.

Temporary speed restrictions and stop-go signalling have been imposed, as they have on SH50 around Kereru Rd where repairs are also being carried out.