A significant traffic switch near the Bayfair roundabout is scheduled to take place next month, as part of the Bay Link project.

The change in road layout, which is expected to be implemented overnight on Tuesday, November 9, will see the two northbound lanes of State Highway 2 (heading towards Mount Maunganui) move closer to Golf 360 and the two southbound lanes (heading towards Papamoa) move closer to the Bayfair Shopping Centre.

"There will be a series of night works beginning late-October to complete the necessary preparation, the switch and the required follow-up work," says a Waka Kotahi Transport Agency spokesperson.

"This includes completing the new road, barrier realignment, new line-marking and the removal of old line-marking."

This work is scheduled to take place overnight as follows:

• Sunday, October 31, to Thursday, November 4, from about 7pm until 5am the following morning (finishing Friday morning).
• Sunday, November 7, to Thursday, November 11, from about 7pm until 5am the following morning (finishing Friday morning).

The traffic switch will enable the creation of a work zone in the middle of SH2 so construction can progress on the underpass' central section (a 60-metre open-air trench), as well as two further piers for the four-span Bayfair flyover and the flyover's northern approach ramp, says the roading agency.

"As part of the preparatory works, single lane closures will be necessary during night works. Where possible, two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction until the switch is complete.

"Motorists are asked to drive with extra care through the Bay Link site, while people adjust to the new road layout. They should reduce speed and follow the directions provided by traffic management staff and signs.

"A 30km/h temporary speed limit is in place around the Bayfair roundabout for the duration of the Bay Link project to protect road workers and ensure the safety of everyone travelling through the roundabout.

"Waka Kotahi would like to acknowledge Bayfair Shopping Centre and Golf 360, and thank local businesses, residents and motorists for their patience while this work is carried out."

To help people visualise what the Bay Link project will look like upon completion, an animated video is available showing updated construction sequencing through to the end of the project.

Visit www.nzta.govt.nz/baylink for more information.

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