A number of road closures around Tauranga are expected to cause delays and detours for motorists throughout the city.

In the CBD, a section of Elizabeth Street will be closed for the weekend.

The road will be closed while the wastewater system is upgraded underground.

The system upgrade work will take place from Saturday September 8 from 3pm until Monday September 10 at 6am.

A statement issued on the Tauranga City Council says if the work is finished earlier then the lane will re-open.

'Please be aware if you are visiting the city centre this weekend that you cannot enter down Elizabeth Street. We recommend you use First Ave or Wharf Street.

'Please note that Spring Street and Durham Street also have closures in place due to the street upgrade work.”

This work is part of the upgrade to Durham Street currently underway, and is the final stage of works to upgrade the wastewater system.

The timing of this work on Elizabeth Street has been chosen to minimise the disruption in the city during the working week.

Meanwhile a planned closure for State Highway 29A between the Baypark and Te Maunga roundabouts in Tauranga is also expected to cause delays.

The closure will be in place from 4am to 8pm on Saturday September 8, as part of the Baypark to Bayfair project.

Detours will be in place along Truman Lane and Mangatawa Link Road.

'Motorists are urged to use alternative routes where possible or plan travel outside of these hours to avoid the detour,” says NZTA.

'The closure is needed for a water main installation. This work is weather dependent, and if delayed, the work will be carried out on the next suitable day. The road closure is not expected to affect the AIMS Games opening ceremony at ASB Baypark Arena on Sunday.

'The Transport Agency thanks motorists for their patience and ongoing co-operation while construction of the Bay Link project continues.”

The Baypark to Bayfair Link is designed to reduce congestion and improve safety by separating local and state highway traffic, and improving walking and cycling connections.

The key features include the construction of two flyovers and improvements to the SH29A Baypark roundabout and the SH2 Bayfair roundabout.

To sign up for regular project updates and newsletters, visit the NZTA website.