Planned road works along State Highway 2 between Waihī and Tauranga are being put on hold for two nights.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has made the decision to pull the planned chipsealing of State Highway 2 for tonight and tomorrow night because of the major traffic delays expected over the next 48 hours.

The pause in the chipsealing work between Tauranga and Waihī on Sunday, February 11, and Monday February 12, is to help ease traffic pressure coming into the city.

NZTA will instead be diverting resources to the State Highway 36 works.

The chip sealing work between Bethlehem and Te Puna on Friday resulted in traffic being gridlocked for hours on SH2. Photo: Supplied.

"Severe congestion is expected tomorrow, Monday 12 February, due to the sudden closure of a section of State Highway 29A near Oropi for emergency work, combined with a lane closure on Totara Street for Tauranga City Council road rebuilding work," says an NZTA spokesperson.

"Both are major routes in and out of Mount Maunganui."

NZTA suggests road users avoid travelling on Monday, work from home or use alternative transport if they can.  

The closure of State Highway 29A between Barkes Corner and Oropi Road Roundabout follows the discovery of a large tomo or cavity under the road on Friday evening.

A large hole has opened up under State Highway 29A between Barkes Corner and Oropi Roundabout, unexpectedly causing a closure of the road for emergency work to take place. Photo: NZTA Waka Kotahi.

"NZTA contractors are doing all they can to fix the road, including working through the night tonight, but the timeframe for re-opening is still unknown," says an NZTA spokesperson.

"Hewletts Road eastbound bus lane will be open for all vehicles going toward Maunganui Road to try and help the situation."

The work on Totara Street is expected to be complete by 6am Wednesday, February 14, with Tauranga City Council contractors working around the clock to finish as quickly as possible.

"While detours for both roads are available, heavy delays are inevitable and fewer vehicles on the network tomorrow will make a big difference to those who have to travel," says an NZTA spokesperson.

"NZTA thanks road users for their co-operation and patience."

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

· Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Facebook: facebook.com/TransportAgency
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahi_news
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)