An increased number of delays are expected in the week beginning Monday, 24 August, on the roads surrounding the Harbour Link project as one of the lanes at the Dive Crescent roundabout will be closed. There are a range of other planned closures and disruptions that can be expected near this project as well as in other parts of the city, all of which can be read below in the week's NZTA report.

1. Harbour Link Project
Intended programme for next week (weather dependent, therefore subject to change):
* Heavy vehicles will be entering and exiting the site in the area adjacent to the off ramp on the Tauranga side of the existing Harbour Bridge while demolition works are being undertaken.
* A lane diversion will be installed on the Mount causeway to relocate temporary concrete barriers; one lane will be open in each direction.
* A short-term lane closure will be installed on Dive Cr roundabout to allow for pavement rehabilitation. One lane will be available at all times, but caution is required.

Long-term closures:
* Continuation of a long-term lane closure westbound on Takitimu Dr. Chapel St eastbound off ramp is open and all Otumoetai and Matua traffic will need to use this lane. A 50km/h speed restriction is in place. Westbound cyclists are advised to use Cameron Rd.
* Continuation of a long-term shoulder closure on the Mount causeway, east and westbound. A 50km/h speed restriction is in place. Cyclists and pedestrians are advised to use the footpath on the existing Harbour Bridge and causeway. Please keep left and travel with care as this is a shared path. Caution is required due to heavy truck movements in this area.
* Continuation of a long-term shoulder closure at the old toll plaza west and eastbound for works on Aerodrome Bridge and other associated areas.
* Installation of a long-term lane diversion on the existing Harbour Bridge to allow for the construction of the Dive Cr westbound off ramp. Cyclists and pedestrians are advised to proceed with caution through this area, as it is a shared path.
* Continuation of a long-term footpath closure on Chapel St (old BP site side of Chapel St) to allow for services and construction works to continue. Pedestrians will be diverted at the controlled intersections at Chapel St and Bay Central Retail.
* Continuation of a long-term lane diversion on Mirrielees Rd. All traffic is now travelling on the new road. Pedestrians are advised to follow the sign posted walkway. Dive Cr roundabout shape has changed and caution is required when driving through this area.
* Long-term lane closures are in place along Hewletts Road (city-bound traffic only). This involves the reduction from 3 to 2 lanes from Totara St to Tasman Quay. Tasman Quay to Ballance Corner is reduced to one lane. This is to allow for a traffic diversion at the old toll plaza site, for construction of the new road.

2. Tauranga City works this week:
Cameron Road: Routine maintenance and reconstruction work on Cameron Road between Pooles Road and Maleme Street is due to start in early September and run through to December 2009. More details to follow closer to the time.
Takitimu Drive: Routine maintenance and reconstruction of the next section of Takitimu Drive between the Elizabeth Street Roundabout and the Waihi Road over bridge will start in early September. More details to follow closer to the time.
Elizabeth Street: Work to replace a retaining wall on the footpath by St Mary's Catholic Church is underway. The work is expected to take about another few weeks to complete. At times the footpath by the wall will be closed to pedestrians. Pedestrians are reminded to take care and use the signed alternative routes to negotiate the Elizabeth Street and Cameron Road intersection. There will be minor delays to motorists for the duration of the works.

3. Western Bay of Plenty District works this week:
State Highways: SH2 Jellicoe St, Te Puke, seal overlay work between approx No 1 Road and Cameron Road, night work where possible. Contra flow, minor delays likely. SH2, Waitangi mill and fill repair, night work, Thursday - Friday 27 and 28 August Contra Flow, stop/go control, delays likely. SH36 (Pyes Pa/Tauranga Direct Road), Rotorua District, Mangorewa Gorge Improvements.
Local Road Network: Seal Extension - Oropi Gorge Road, contra flow,stop/go control, minor delays possible. Road Widening - Wairoa and Snodgrass Roads, Stop/Go control, minor delays possible.