State Highway 2 through the Waioeka Gorge is expected to be closed for around 45 minutes on Wednesday, while rock removal work takes place.

The closure will take place near Oponae and is expected to be carried out between 11am and 11.45am.

Transport Agency Bay of Plenty Journey Manager, Nigel D'Ath, says people can expect delays in the area for most of Wednesday.

'The rock-face stabilisation work is expected to reduce the risk of further slips. The majority of the work will be carried out during the closure but there may also be times when the road needs to be closed for short periods while more debris is brought down.

'We'd like to thank people in advance for their patience and ask them to stay up to date by checking our website and social media throughout the day."

Further short closures may be needed later this month. People will be advised if this is to occur.

To stay updated:

• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

• Website: nzta.govt.nz/traffic (external link)

• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP/ (external link)

• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz (external link)