A partial road closure will be in place along the Matata Straights this Thursday March 21.

More than 150 family members of the three workers who were killed in a worksite accident on the Matata Straights three weeks ago, along with some Higgins Group staff, will be visiting the worksite where the fatalities occurred, for a site blessing/karakia.

Due to this event taking place, a partial road closure will be in place and the Whakatane District Council says the road will be down to a single lane.

'It will be posted under a 30km/hr speed restriction.

'The site restrictions are expected to be in place for most of the morning, with the formalities commencing around 11am.

'For those planning a trip to Tauranga, it may be worthwhile leaving a little earlier to allow for possible traffic delays.”

The NZTA says stop/go traffic management will be in place on State Highway 2 between Miniha Road and Herepu Road, approximately 4km west of Matata.

The traffic management will be in place on Thursday March 21 between 9am and 4pm.

'Delays are expected. Please allow extra time for your journey,” says the NZTA.