Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is reminding motorists to follow the relevant temporary speed limits to ensure the safety of other road users, road workers and themselves.

While most drivers are doing the right thing through worksites, it is disappointing to see some people speeding and putting others at risk says Bay of Plenty system manager Roger Brady.

'Speeding vehicles can flick up loose metal and other objects, which can be dangerous to our road workers and other road users.

'Motorists also have less control at higher speeds. They may clip road cones and send them flying at our road workers or oncoming traffic – or lose control completely.

'Even when there is no one working on site, we may leave speed limits in place to protect road users. Drivers should consider reduced visibility and the effects of temporary surfaces at night and in bad weather, as well as the safety of motorcyclists and cyclists.

'We also need to alert drivers to changes that they may not be expecting, such as reduced road widths and changes to road layout.

'Safety is always our highest priority and we make no apologies for this, says Roger.

What to expect to see on your journey between Waihi and Tauranga this week:

Ongoing works (between 7am-6pm)

Old Tauranga Road to Athenree Gorge - installation of safety barriers. Expect minor delays of one to two minutes.

Athenree Road to Tanners Point Road –works continue with earthworks, drainage, service relocations, kerb and channel construction and pavement throughout the week. Expect minor delays of one to two minutes.

Tanners Point Road to Kauri Point Road – final connection of power and watermain relocation/connection are underway, with expected completion at the end of November. Expect minor delays of one to two minutes.

Rea Road / Tetley Road intersection – preparation works for a roundabout are ongoing. Expect minor delays of one to two minutes.

Sharp Road to Sargent Drive – road widening, earthworks, drainage and service relocation works between Lund Road and Wright Road continues. Expect minor delays of one to two minutes.

Major works:

Friday 26 November – between Barrett Road and Munro Road. These are night works, scheduled between 7pm-5am. Stop/Go traffic management will be in place with a 30km/hr temporary speed limit. Expect delays of 45 minutes for 36 to 48 hours following the work.

Please note these works are weather dependent and can change at short notice.

For at least 24 hours after a site is sealed, and before being swept, it continues to operate under a reduced temporary speed limit while vehicles travel over the seal and help 'bed in” the chip.

This helps reduce the risk of windscreen damage. Sites are then swept, excess chip removed, and the temporary speed limit remains in place until line marking is reinstated (within 48 hours, weather dependent).