Work on constructing the Pyes Pa bypass has wound down for the winter with all construction targets achieved, says NZ Transport Agency's highway manager for the Bay of Plenty, Rod James.
The pre-load earthworks material has been removed and the road foundation has been constructed at the north and south ends of the route.

Pyes Pa bypass, State Highway 36, end May 2010: The chip seal shows the bypass where it joins SH36 just north of the cemetery. Construction of the roundabout at the intersection is to begin in September.

The associated drainage and kerbing is competed and a chip seal coat laid to prevent weathering over winter damaging the foundation.
"While some minor work on drainage systems will continue until July, construction will begin again in earnest in September," says Rod.
Work remaining includes building roundabouts at Pyes Pa Road and at Kennedy Road, carrying out earthworks through the mid-section, laying the road surface along the whole route, and installing guardrails and lighting along the route.
"Depending on weather conditions, the bypass is due to be opened to traffic on time in mid 2011," says Rod.