Motorists are being advised to expect considerable delays at the State Highway 5/State Highway 36 roundabout in Ngongotahā, near Rotorua.

Repairs and sealing works at the Rotorua to Hamilton slip lane are expected to get underway today.

The slip lane was used as a detour during winter and requires repairing, stabilising and sealing before the dual lane roundabout can be opened, says a spokesperson for the Waka Kotahi Transport Agency.

This work is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, November 30, to Friday, December 3, weather dependent.

The roundabout remains single lane in each direction and traffic management will be in place with a 30km/h temporary speed limit.

"At evening peak travel times, significant delays of 30 – 45 minutes are anticipated for motorists traveling from Rotorua to Hamilton, Ngongotahā and destinations north of Ngongotahā. Waka Kotahi encourages those who are able to do so, to time their travel for outside peak times, particularly in the evening; work from home; allow extra time for travel or use alternative routes," says a statement from the roading agency.

"Signs are in place to advise road users of the upcoming delays.

"Work will take place during daytime only, due to a variety of machinery required to complete repair, stabilising and sealing works. If work is impacted by weather or other unforeseen issues, it will be carried out on the next suitable day.

"This is one of the last pieces of work required to complete the roundabout upgrade. When this work is completed, contractors will continue work on the raised safety platforms in the bypass lanes, apply final line marking and finish the remaining driveways, footpath and landscaping."

Road users are asked to keep to the speed limits and watch out for crews on the roadside. Safety is our priority and we want everyone to get home safely.

"We acknowledge the project has caused additional delays, especially for people who travel through the site on a regular basis.

"We'd like to thank everyone for their ongoing patience as the works to upgrade the Ngongotahā roundabout and to improve roadside safety along SH5 continue."

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• COVID-19 services update: nzta.govt.nz/COVID19
• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWaiBP
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)