Motorists travelling through the Karangahake Gorge will face another week of daytime closures next month.

Crews will be working to remove unstable rock from above State Highway 2, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said in a media release.

The roading agency has confirmed a 500m section of SH2 through the gorge will be closed between 9am and 4pm each day from October 12 to October 16, weather permitting.

The closure area stretches from near the historic rail tunnel bridge towards Paeroa.

NZTA said while property access will remain available up to the closure points, vehicles will not be able to travel through the affected section during work hours.

The upcoming closures follow a similar operation in August, when inspectors identified rock faces requiring further treatment and carried out some initial rock-removal work.

Waikato area manager asset and operations Andy Oakley said the October closure would allow specialist crews to remove larger unstable rocks and complete additional work identified during those inspections.

“A full closure is the only safe way to do this work because rope-access technicians will be working directly above the highway and rocks may fall on to the road below,” Oakley said.

“The closure hours have been chosen to reduce disruption on school traffic, commuters and freight while giving crews enough daylight to work safely.

“We recognise the closures will be disruptive and appreciate road users’ patience. Confirming the dates early gives people, businesses and freight operators time to plan their journeys.”

An Avalon Rope Access Services worker pictured above the highway in the Karangahake Gorge during last month's inspections and rock-scaling operations. Photo / NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

The work will be carried out by trained rope-access technicians, who use specialist equipment to remove loose and unstable material from steep rock faces overlooking the highway.

NZTA said the project was aimed at improving the safety, reliability and resilience of the important regional transport route.

Road users are being encouraged to travel through the gorge outside closure hours where possible, while inter-regional traffic is advised to use SH29 over the Kaimai Range as an alternative route.

The Hauraki Rail Trail section through the old rail tunnel will also be closed while the work is underway.

Emergency services and first responders will continue to have access through the closure area.

NZTA said it would use the closure period to carry out other maintenance and resilience projects where possible, including rock-armouring work on the historic riverside retaining wall, subject to suitable weather and river conditions.