Drivers are being urged to plan ahead for scheduled upcoming closures of the Bayfair flyover in Tauranga.

They flyover is scheduled to fully close for five consecutive nights starting Sunday, August 27, to allow for handrails to be fitted.

Access through the Bayfair and Matapihi area will be available via the ground level roads around the roundabout, says a Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency spokesperson.

"The work is currently scheduled to take place from Sunday, August 27, to Thursday, August 31, from about 7pm to 6am each night, nights only."

For people travelling through the area, these temporary changes will be in place:

-Road users travelling from Tauranga Eastern Link/Pāpāmoa or SH29A/Maungatapu merge into a single lane after SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange and use the Bayfair roundabout to travel towards Mount Maunganui or the city centre.  

-Road users travelling from Mount Maunganui or the city centre use the Bayfair roundabout to travel towards SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange.  

-Maunganui Road at ground level between Bayfair roundabout and Exeter Street reopened earlier this week. 

In addition, there will be a single lane closure on the SH2 on-ramp, descending from Te Maunga interchange to SH2/Maunganui Road northbound at ground level. 

"This work is weather-dependent. If it is delayed because of weather or other unforeseen issues, it will be carried out on the next suitable night/s."

Temporary changes to Girven Road in place 

Waka Kotahi says Girven Road has been reduced to a single lane in both directions between Bayfair roundabout and the Gloucester Road intersection to allow for the completion of the central median island. 

"Left in/left out access to Bayfair Shopping Centre’s first entrance after Bayfair roundabout, other local businesses and residents on this section of Girven Road will be retained at all times. 

"When exiting Bayfair Shopping Centre at the signalised Gloucester Road/Girven Road intersection, the right lane only will be able to turn right onto Girven Road.

"In addition, light vehicles only will be able to turn left out of Bayfair Shopping Centre’s first entrance after Bayfair roundabout.

"Two lanes in each direction on this section of Girven Road are currently expected to be restored in mid-spring."

Find out more at www.nzta.govt.nz/baylink