The NZ Transport Agency is advising Bay of Plenty and Waikato motorists to start their journey online and plan ahead to avoid delays.

Transport Agency contractors are out in force this month, working to make the highways safer and progress major projects such as the Waikato Expressway and Tauranga's Maungatapu underpass.

Drivers are likely to encounter speed restrictions and other traffic management on state highways around the regions.

Transport Agency journey manager Liam Ryan says checking out the Transport Agency's website before travelling can help people choose the best routes and times to start their journeys.

'Picking up your mouse or your smartphone before you pick up your car keys and planning your journey could save you a lot stress and unnecessary time on the road,” Liam says.

For personalised information about driving conditions on their frequently used routes, motorists can check out and sign up to On the www.onthemove.govt.nz

For real time information on highway conditions and incidents or to report issues on the network visit www.nzta.govt.nz and click on 'traffic and travel', call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) or follow the Transport Agency on Facebook or @nztawaibop on twitter.

People can also go to www.drivelive.nz/BayofPlentyandwww.drivelive.nz/tauranga , dedicated websites that tell drivers what the current travel times are to get to key places around the Bay.

Roadworks that are scheduled to start in the next week or are currently underway are detailed below to help people plan ahead when travelling.

BAY OF PLENTY

Tauranga Eastern Link/ Paengaroa roundabout

Transport Agency contractors will be carrying out work at the Paengaroa roundabout this month and motorists are urged to drive with extra care.

A 50km/h speed restriction and lane closures will be in place from Monday May 16,while the centre of the roundabout is lowered and some vegetation is removed to improve visibility.

The work is expected to take approximately 10 days however it is weather dependent and may be postponed due to wet weather. Please drive with extra care in this area.

SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi

Motorists travelling on SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi are urged to drive with extra care as work continues on a major safety upgrade.

A section of highway between Wainui South Road and Sargent Drive is being repaired and widened, and a wire rope central median barrier installed to prevent head on crashes.

A 50km/h speed restriction is in place for the safety of workers and people are urged to stay alert behind the wheel as there will be changes to the road layout over the next month. The work is expected to be complete by late May.

SH2 Te Maunga roundabout

Lane closures and a 50km/h speed reduction will be in place on SH2 near the Te Maunga roundabout on Sunday night May 22, and from 8pm on Monday night May 23,while contractors carry out road works. Expect minor delays.

SH2 Apata north road repairs

Contractors will be carrying out nightworks on SH2 near Apata from Monday May 22, through to Wednesday May 24. A 30km/h speed restriction and stop/go traffic management will be in place from 8pm during the works and motorists are advised to allow extra time when travelling.

SH29/ Takitimu Drive and SH36/Taurikura Drive roundabout upgrade

Motorists are asked to drive with extra care when travelling through the roundabouts over the next fortnight. Tauranga City Council's contractor is carrying out works and speed restrictions, lane closuresand occasional stop/go traffic management will be in place at times from this week.

SH29 Kaimai Range

A 30km/h speed restriction and stop/go traffic management will be in place on SH29 Kaimai Range on overnight on Thursday May 25, and Friday May 26, for road maintenance.

The work will be carried out from 8pm to reduce the impact on traffic.

SH35 - Opotiki to Cape Runaway and SH2 Waioeka Gorge

Transport Agency contractors will be working at various sites along this routes in May and June, carrying out drainage improvement works and clearing small slips. Traffic management will be in place and motorists are advised to drive with extra care and expect minor delays.

Rotorua area safety improvements

Transport Agency contractors will be making safety improvements to the state highway network around Rotorua over the next month. The changes include installing safety rails, new road marking, and tree trimming to improve visibility. Speed restrictions and other traffic management will be in place at times on SH36 Hamurana, SH30 Lower Atiamuri, SH5 Reporoa, and SH35 Opape.

Eastern Bay of Plenty – water cutting

Speed restrictions and stop/go traffic management will be in place on state highways around the Eastern Bay of Plenty over the next month as contractors start an annual water cutting programme.

Water cutting with a high pressure water jet removes areas of excess bitumen that have appeared during the hot weather over summer. It helps to improve grip and prolong the life of the road. Work will start on the western side of State Highway 2, and continue on other state highway sites such as SH30 between Awakeri and Whakatane. People should expect minor delays.