State Highway 2 from Bethlehem and Waihi Road will be reduced to a single lane each way for a week starting this Sunday.

The NZ Transport Agency is asking motorists to be patient as resurfacing works are undertaken on the eastbound lane, the lane heading towards the city, from Bethlehem/Moffat Road roundabout towards the Waihi Road over bridge.

State Highway 2, from Bethlehem to Waihi Road will be down to one lane next week.

Regional highways manager Brett Gliddon says disruptions to motorists have been minimised as much a possible by shortening the length of time it would normally do to complete the work.

Despite this, motorists are being warned to expect delays.

'A 50km/h speed restriction will be in place and traffic will be monitored particularly during the afternoon peak.”

The works will start at approximately 7am each day and end at 6pm when contractors will strip the existing surface and lay down a new surface.

The work is expected to be completed by the weekend, provided weather conditions are favourable and work can continue uninterrupted.

'We strongly recommend motorists allow sufficient time in their journeys for the delays and where possible they should use alternate routes around this particular area. Alternate routes are through Waihi Road over bridge and Brookfield via Millers Road.

'We thank motorists in advance for their patience and we will try to minimise delays. The work is important and does need to be done now, so the Bethlehem to Waihi Road safety project can be completed.”