A reader photo shows traffic built up on Te Ngae Rd at Lynmore. Photo / Supplied
Traffic delays on Te Ngae Rd caused by lane closures may take until 6pm to ease, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says.
There were reports of significant traffic delays on Te Ngae Rd/State Highway 30 heading into Rotorua this afternoon.
One motorist reported only moving 100 metres in an hour. A reader photo shows a stream of traffic heading through roadworks near Lynmore School.
A police media spokeswoman said a member of the public reported delays on the stretch of road to police about 2pm.
Google live traffic data shows traffic is moving slowly between McDonald's Te Ngae and Puarenga Park through Ōwhata and Lynmore.
Google's estimated journey time on that 5.8km stretch was 35 minutes.
NZ Transport Agency regional manager infrastructure delivery Jo Wilton said the delay was due to "surfacing works on the westbound direction on Te Ngae Road".
"There were lane closures in place earlier today to allow for placing of the structural surface layer (the layer underneath the final surface).
"The nature of the work meant we could only open lanes intermittently while completing the works, to allow traffic to flow.
"Works have been completed and all lanes are now open. It is expected that it will take another one to two hours for traffic to ease," Wilton said about 4pm.
"Motorists are asked to consider delaying their travel, where possible. We'd like to acknowledge the frustration caused and thank motorists for their patience."
The data show Rotorua has the highest proportion of burglaries in New Zealand.