Bay of Plenty motorists are being urged to plan as a mix of roading projects continue across the region.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s latest traffic bulletin highlights several projects likely to affect BOP drivers.

They include ongoing work on State Highway 29 through Tauriko and the Lower Kaimai, overnight closures on SH2 at Bethlehem and upgrades on the Tauranga Eastern Link.

One of the most significant disruptions for many travellers will be the full closure of SH1 at Waiotaka Bridge, between Tūrangi and Motuoapa, from 8pm on October 1 until 5am on October 6.

While outside the BOP, the closure is expected to impact motorists travelling between the region and central North Island destinations during the school holidays.

The route will be closed while crews carry out critical strengthening work to address scour damage around the bridge. Traffic will be diverted via SH41, SH32 and SH30, adding considerable travel time.

Closer to home, motorists travelling through Tauriko can expect ongoing delays as multiple projects continue along SH29. Construction remains underway through Tauriko Village, with lane shifts, shoulder closures and reduced speed limits between Te Ara Hoia Drive and the SH29/SH36 roundabout.

The Takitimu Drive Toll Rd is also operating under a reduced 70km/h speed limit while work continues on the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 interchange.

Crews will complete a new median island at the Cambridge Rd and SH29 intersection in Tauriko during three nights of work beginning September 29. Traffic management will include stop-go operations and temporary speed limits.

At Barkes Corner, lane closures and lane shifts will be in place near the SH29A intersection from September 28 while crews undertake work on Cameron Rd. Short delays are expected.

The Lower Kaimai section of SH29 remains under resurfacing works until the end of October. The passing lane has been closed and stop-go traffic management operates overnight while paving is carried out.

Further north, overnight asphalt resurfacing is scheduled for SH2 south of the Moffat Rd roundabout in Bethlehem from October 11.

The highway will be closed overnight for four nights between 8pm and 5am, with detours in place for both light and heavy vehicles.

Drivers using SH2 near Woodland Rd should also expect delays of up to 10 minutes while a section of highway is rebuilt over the next nine weeks.

In the Eastern Bay of Plenty, road rebuilding work is scheduled to start in the Waimana Gorge on October 5. The 10-week project will require stop-go traffic management and reduced speed limits.

Chipsealing projects are also planned on SH30 west of Awakeri and through central Ōpōtiki during the first week of October, with temporary closures and detours required.

Meanwhile, work continues on new roundabouts near Ōpōtiki, at the SH2 intersections with Ōhiwa Beach Rd and Waiotahe Valley Back Rd.

Traffic remains under stop-go management and a 30km/h speed restriction.