Motorists travelling south of Te Puke are being advised of delays as work is undertaken to strengthen the underside of the Kaituna Bridge on State Highway 2.

The New Zealand Transport Agency says from Friday the speed limit will be reduced to 30km/ and traffic reduced to a single lane across the bridge with a temporary stop/go manual operation.

This is required to ensure the safety of workers while 'critical engineering works” are carried out underneath the bridge deck.

The stop/go will be in place during the day from 7am to 7pm. At night temporary traffic signs will be used to direct the traffic through the single lane.

This strengthening is to enable this route to carry High Productivity Motor Vehicles.

NZTA is asking motorists to take caution, particularly at night when visibility is reduced.

Access for residents of Rangiuru Road will be available, but there will be no right turns out of this road during these works.

NZTA says this temporary traffic management will be in place until further notice. This will be reviewed as the strengthening works progress.

Delays are to be expected particularly at peak travel times in the morning and afternoons, and motorists are encouraged where possible to avoid this area during peak travel times or to use the alternate SH36 route where possible.