State Highway 36, between Tauranga and Rotorua, is scheduled to close today.

Roading contractors are scheduled to do emergency repairs on the Mangapouri Bridge.

The abutment of the single-lane Mangapouri bridge has scoured resulting in a hole beneath the road and uneven surface on the bridge deck.

Earlier this week, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency placed a temporary speed limit on the road and advised the route was not suitable for heavy vehicles.

The roading agency says the road will be closed to all vehicles from 10am today through to 7pm Friday.

The alternative routes are SH2 and SH33 through Pāpāmoa and Paengaroa, or SH5 / SH28 / SH29 over the Kaimai Range.

"With more rain forecast we encourage everyone to take extra care when driving, watch for hazards, adjust their speed and check our Journey Planner map before heading off so they know which routes are affected.

"Waka Kotahi thanks everyone for their patience and will provide further updates as works progress at each site."