People who live near or travel along Cambridge Rd are being warned to expect disruptions this weekend.

The northbound lane heading to Bethlehem will be closed on Sunday, September 28, between 9am and 4pm, to allow old power poles and lines to be removed, said NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

The lane closure includes a short section of road from the intersection with SH29 to 559 Cambridge Rd and is part of the State Highway 29 Tauriko Enabling Works project.

Work is under way on a major retaining wall at the intersection of SH29 and Cambridge Rd.

This is in preparation for a new, safer intersection with traffic lights, a key upgrade that will also include a new connection to Whiore Ave for buses and people walking and cycling wanting to access Tauriko Business Estate.

NZTA acting infrastructure delivery regional manager Darryl Coalter said they had already moved the power lines underground and were now preparing to remove the old power poles and lines.

Temporary traffic management will include:

SH29/Cambridge Rd intersection to Bethlehem Town Centre - detour routes for Bethlehem-bound traffic are expected to take about 15 minutes via SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Rdand about 22 minutes via SH29A and Cameron Rd (free route).

Cambridge Rd residents - access from SH29 will be via the detours.

The southbound lane on Cambridge Rd heading towards SH29 will remain open.

Some work will be taking place on SH29, but traffic will be maintained in both directions.

Work to upgrade the SH29/Cambridge Rd intersection is expected to be completed in 2027.

The SH29 Tauriko Enabling Works are being delivered by NZTA together with Tauranga City Council, with construction by Downer.

For more information, visit: nzta.govt.nz/tauriko-enabling-works