Motorists traveling in the Western Bay of Plenty are being warned to expect minor delays and road layout changes on state highways as contractors carry out an annual road marking programme.

From today, New Zealand Transport Agency contractors will be working at various state highway sites, remarking roads and replacing reflective road markers (cat's eyes) until mid-May.

State Highway 2, between Mangatawa and Domain Road. Photo: NZTA.

The work will involve shifting lanes in some areas and motorists should drive with care when passing through these sites.

Speed restrictions and stop/go traffic management will be in place at other work sites around the region as work on the Tauranga Eastern Link and a major road rehabilitation programme continues on SH29.

Sites where motorists can expect delays of more than five minutes are detailed below to allow people to plan ahead.

State Highway 2, between Mangatawa and Domain Road (Tauranga Eastern Link):

From today, all eastbound traffic between Mangatawa and Domain Road (heading to Te Puke) will be switched back on to the new eastbound lanes, while westbound traffic (heading to Tauranga) will remain on the west side.

As part of this traffic switch, all east and westbound traffic will be separated by a central median wire rope barrier. Initially only one lane in each direction will be open to allow a variety of construction works to be completed.

Motorists are reminded that access at Bruce Road and Kairua Road is left-in and left-out only and there is no longer the opportunity to make right-hand turns from Kairua Road or Bruce Road onto SH2 or from SH2 onto Kairua Road or Bruce Road.

SH29 between Tauranga and Kaimai summit - Soldiers Road Passing Lane Pavement Rehabilitation:

A 50km/h speed restriction will be in place as contractors continue rehabilitating a stretch of SH29 west of Soldiers Road.

The road layout will be changed and the Tauranga bound passing lane will be closed to allow contractors to carry out the work.

Contractors will be working from 6am until 6pm each week day and motorists are advised to plan for delays of up to 15 minutes. The work started in March and is expected to be completed in June.

SH29 between Tauranga and Kaimai summit - safety works:

A 70km/h speed restriction will be in place on the Hamilton side of the Poripori Road and SH29 intersection while contractors install safety guard railing.

For safety reasons, the Hamilton-bound passing lane will be closed during the works, which also involve shoulder widening.

Contractors will be working from 6am until 6pm each day and motorists travelling on this route should allow for delays of up to 5 minutes.

The work started in early April and is expected to be completed in May.

SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi - multiple work sites:

Stop/go traffic management and speed restrictions will be in place at up to 11 different work sites on SH2 between Bethlehem and the Athenree Gorge at various times during the next five weeks.

Contractors are carrying out shoulder widening, installing new safety guard railing and felling trees close to the highway.

Contractors will be working from 6am to 6pm and motorists travelling on this route should allow for delays of up to 10 minutes.

The work started on 23 April and is expected to be completed by early July.