With some schools starting back for the new year and some people taking an extra day to return from the long weekend, traffic congestion is being predicted around the region.

Waka Kotahi Transport Agency predicts roads to and from Tauranga, especially Mount Maunganui, are likely to be very busy.

"While we're encouraging people to use the Holiday Journeys tool to help plan their trips, predicted peak times can change based on incidents, weather or even driver behaviour, so we're also encouraging people to check real-time updates by visiting our interactive Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz) before they travel," says Bay of Plenty system manager Roger Brady.

"This provides traffic information and updates on delays, road works and road closures.

"We know congestion and delays can be frustrating, however, the most important thing is that everyone gets to their destination safely. Please plan ahead, be patient and drive to the conditions."

Roger says speeding and unsafe overtaking puts everyone on the road at risk.

"Even when it isn't the direct cause of a crash, speed is often the difference between someone walking away unharmed or being seriously injured or killed.

"For everyone's safety, please slow down."

This is what you can expect to see on your journey between Waihī and Tauranga this week:

Ongoing safety improvement works (between 7am-6pm)

Minimal delays of one to two minutes with cones marking out works and road layout changes at the following sites:

• Athenree Road to Tanners Point Road
• Hikurangi Road to Tuapiro Road
• Rea Road / Tetley Road intersection
• Lund Road to Aongatete Road
• Wainui River Bridge to south of Sargent Drive
• Apata Station Road to Esdaile Road

Please follow the temporary traffic management signs while driving through these sites.

Takitimu North Link enabling works, ecological and environmental investigations continuing (affected local roads):

• Wairoa Road (off SH2) – Service relocations underway and continuing until mid-March, Stop/Go traffic management will be in place.
• Cambridge Road – Site clearance is continuing, and tree felling will be happening near 312 Cambridge Road, on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 February between 9am and 3pm. Stop/Go will be in place and anticipated to cause delays of up to three minutes for each tree felled.

In the event of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, works may be postponed," says Roger.

"We advise to keep an eye on our Waikato/BOP Facebook page for any changes to major planned works and check the interactive Journey Planner website for the latest information on roadworks, traffic, road closures and detours before you travel."

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)