Major stormwater and underground service upgrades are set to begin at the eastern end of State Highway 29, causing some traffic delays.

The works are part of the Tauriko Enabling Works, with construction beginning this month.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said the works would be delivered in three stages, starting with trenching across SH29 between Cambridge Rd and the SH29/SH36 roundabout.

To allow this work to be carried out safely, the westbound lane on SH29 (towards Hamilton) would be closed from 6pm on Wednesday, April 8, until 6am on Monday, April 13. During this time, the eastbound lane will remain open, the roading agency said.

“Drivers travelling westbound should allow an additional five to 10 minutes for their journey and follow the detour route via SH36, Paraone Koikoi Drive, Matakokiri Drive and Kaweroa Drive.”

NZTA said access to Cambridge Rd would be restricted to left turns only via the detour route. Vehicles would still be able to exit Cambridge Rd by turning either left or right.

“To minimise disruption, the works have been scheduled during the school holidays when traffic volumes are typically lower.

“Crews will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week – including over the weekend – to complete this stage of work as quickly as possible.”

The second stage of the project would involve installing new stormwater pipes and catchpits.

During this phase, NZTA said shoulder closures and lane shifts would be in place along SH29 between Cambridge Rd and the SH29/SH36 roundabout to keep traffic moving while maintaining safety.

As part of stage two, the slip lane to Takitimu Drive Toll Rd would be closed daily between 9.30am and 4pm.

Access to the toll road would remain available via the roundabout.

In the third and final stage, scheduled to begin in early July, the newly installed stormwater system will be connected to the wetland outlet.

NZTA said this would require the slip lane to Takitimu Drive Toll Rd to be closed for about six weeks.

All work is expected to be completed by mid-August.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Tauriko Village, traffic would shift on to newly completed SH29 lanes on the northern side of the village in mid-April.

NZTA said this would allow construction to begin on the southern side as the wider Tauriko Enabling Works continue.