Work on safety improvements at one of Tauranga’s busy intersections will enter its next phase next month, with significant traffic changes in place for several weeks.

From Tuesday, July 7, construction at the intersection of Ngatai and Bureta Rds will shift to the southern side of Bureta Rd, outside the Bureta shops, Tauranga City Council said in a media release.

A temporary 30km/h speed limit will be in force during this stage, alongside a 24/7 full road closure on the southern side of Bureta Rd at the Ngatai Rd intersection.

Council said motorists will need to follow detours, with light vehicles redirected via Ngatai Rd, Short St, Freyberg St, Landscape Rd, Vale St and back to Bureta Rd.

Heavy vehicle routes will differ depending on direction of travel, with eastbound traffic diverted via Vale St, and westbound vehicles rerouted through Ngatai Rd, Ōtūmoetai Rd and Grange Rd before rejoining Bureta Rd.

The council said there will be no access from Ngatai Rd on to Bureta Rd during this stage, which is expected to take about six weeks, weather permitting.

“Despite the disruption, access to homes and businesses – including the nearby golf course – will be maintained via the detour routes."

The council said public transport will also be affected. Buses that usually travel past the Bureta shops will instead detour via Vale St, where a temporary bus stop will be set up.

“Pedestrian and cycling access will remain available throughout the works.

“Existing temporary crossings on Ngatai Rd will stay in place, and a temporary footpath will be installed through Bureta Park to connect Ngatai Rd and Bureta Rd.

“Shoulder closures will also be in effect on the southern side of Ngatai Rd.”

The intersection upgrade is part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and traffic flow in the busy Ōtūmoetai area.