Motorists are being asked to be extra cautious on the roads due to several events taking place across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato this weekend.

The New Zealand Transport Agency also asks motorists to obey all road signs during the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, Rotorua Half Marathon and annual Santa Parades across the regions.

Some 7000 cyclists will be making their way around Lake Taupo for the annual challenge which is taking place today.

Stop/go signs will be used and there will be reduced speed limits in the area. Motorists should expect delays and be aware that they may not be able to pass long lines of cyclists safely.

While the Rotorua Half Marathon will also be taking place from 7.30am on Sunday, November 27, and NZTA Journey manager Nigel D'Ath says there could be up to five minute delays in some spots in the city.

'We're expecting there to be a bit of congestion around State Highway 30A Amahou Street and the Fenton Street intersection.

'Athletes will be crossing on SH30 at Te Puia and on Sala Street so motorists and other road users should take extra care there.”

The annual Santa Parades are also getting underway this weekend, with the Papamoa parade taking place down Dickson Road on Sunday, November 27, from 12 pm.

While next weekend on Saturday, December 3, the parades will take place in Te Puke between 11am and 2pm and Katikati from 3pm to 4pm. Both of these parades will involve local detours.

WAIKATO ROAD WORKS:

State Highway 25 - Pepe Road intersection, Coromandel

Pavement and safety related work is to be carried out at the intersection of State Highway 25 and Pepe Road. The work will take place from 7pm on Monday, November 28 to 7am on Tuesday November 29.

The NZTA says residents may hear some noise and feel vibrations while the essential upgrade is carried out.

BAY OF PLENTY ROAD WORKS

State Highway 30 Te Teko to Awakeri

The road is being widened and flexible safety barriers are being installed between Te Teko and Awakeri to improve safety. Stop/go signs may be used but delays should not exceed five minutes.

State Highway 2 Waioeka Gorge

Rock scaling and vegetation management is being carried out until early December. Stop/go signs will be used and there will be intermittent closures of approximately 10 minutes at a time to allow rock and vegetation to be brought down safely. Road users are advised to expect delays and allow an extra 15 minutes for their journey.

Bay of Plenty State Highway network reseals

The annual reseal program is under way. There will be stop/go in place at various sites across the Bay of Plenty with minor delays. This work is weather dependant and please be aware of large machinery and workers at these sites.

Keeping to the temporary speed limits, which are usually around 30 kilometres per hours, is important for safety and to ensure the stone chips bed-in well instead of flicking up on other vehicles. The NZ Transport Agency says road users allow extra time and look out for sealing crews.

State Highway 30 Te Ngae Road, Lynmore

Major intersection improvements are being carried out at Te Ngae Road. Road users may see a different road lay-out, Stop/Go signs being used and shoulder closures. During peak periods delays may be up to ten minutes long. Use local roads as a detour whenever possible.

Te Puke Highway rehabilitation work

Rehabilitation work is being carried out between Poplar Lane and Kopuroa Canal Bridge (Longswamp). There is a 30kph temporary speed limit in place with lane shifts and metal surface. Extra care is required when traveling through this site.

Beach Road, Waihi Beach

Rehabilitation and drainage work is being carried out in the gorge section. Please drive with care through these works and observe the temporary speed limits.

OTHER ROAD WORK SITES:

SH2 Sargent Drive to Wainui Stream bridge

Road widening with speed restrictions in place and minor delays expected

SH36 Keenan Road intersection

Turn lane construction. Take care through this site.

SH29A Welcome Bay Roundabout

The existing right turn bay from SH29A is being extended to better cope with the afternoon traffic queues.

SH2 Te Puna Rd intersection

Major earthworks starting with traffic lanes shift. Contra flow traffic management will be in place and extra care will be required and stay within the narrowed lanes. Drivers can expect significant delays of over 15 minutes during the busier times and should watch their following distances carefully.

Hairini underpass

Work is continuing.

SH29/29A/36/Taurikura intersections

New road layouts are in place, please take extra care at these roundabouts and choose your lane carefully.

For more information visit the New Zealand Transport Agency's website at: www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic or for Waikato/Bay of Plenty updates: www.facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP/