Motorists are being advised to expect changes to the highway at Te Maunga as construction on the Tauranga Eastern Link's southbound lane starts.

The changes are also to allow the new residential access road, Te Maunga Lane, to be completed.

Te Maunga roundabout.

NZ Transport Agency says the first stage - the closure of the SH2 southbound slip lane at Te Maunga roundabout - took place at the end of July.

NZTA highways manager Brett Gliddon says this slip lane will be re-opened when the new southbound lanes are completed later in 2013.

The second stage of the traffic changes will occur this weekend when all north and south bound State Highway 2 traffic at Te Maunga is moved on to the new section of road - approximately 1km in length - adjacent to the railway.

The changes are expected to take place on Sunday afternoon through until early Monday morning.

Brett is asking motorists to take extra care and to follow all detours in the area during this time.

'Coinciding with the traffic switch, two new residential access lanes, Te Maunga Lane and Oceandowns Way, will open on Monday as all direct access onto and off SH2 by residents will be permanently closed.

'Access to these properties will be from either Gloucester Road or Eversham Road. All residents, visitors and service vehicles will be required to use the new access lanes.”