The NZ Transport Agency is taking advantage of the summer weather and planning road works for Bay of Plenty highways throughout the summer until February.

Bay of Plenty highways manager, Brett Gliddon, says with the arrival of the warmer drier weather, the conditions are optimal for a range of maintenance works to be undertaken in the Bay to ensure the region's highways are safe for motorists.

The NZ Transport Agency says it will try to minimise delays on highways as works are undertaken between now and February.

'Our roads are exposed to wear and tear and so it is essential that we resurface and repair our roads, so motorists have a safe road to drive on.

'Warm temperatures help the new seal stick to the existing surface more effectively. It's also important we do this work during dry weather to avoid the risks of pot holes forming because of water in the road surface.” Brett understands the works are an inconvenience for drivers and says the NZTA will try to minimise the delays.

'As holiday traffic starts to build we closedown our work sites over the Christmas period from today and start back up again from Monday, January 6.”

He says there will be posted speed restrictions in place at a number of sites and asks drivers to stick to them.

'They are there to protect our work crews. They also help protect windscreens and vehicles, from damage when people drive too fast and flick up loose chips.”

The Transport Agency is spending $13million on Bay of Plenty state highway maintenance, operations and renewals between 2013/14.