The left lane is now open but two lanes remain blocked and traffic is heavy from Market Road and long delays are likely.
Drivers are encouragedlikely to use an alternative route. Theyencounter speed restrictions and other traffic management which may like to consider using the South Western motorway (SH20).
Emergency services are at the scenecause delays and engineers will be assessingshould get in the bridge to checkhabit of allowing extra time for structural damage, it could be some time before all lanes are reopened.
Heavy vehicles will be restricted from using the bridge until it has been assessed, and police will be detouring them either side of the bridge.their journeys.
For personalised information about driving conditions on their frequently used routes, motorists can check out and sign up to On The Move at www.onthemove.govt.nz (external link) .
For real time information on highway conditions and incidents or to report issues on the network visit www.nzta.govt.nz and click on 'traffic and travel', call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) or follow the Transport Agency on Facebook or @nztawaibop on twitter.
Travellers can also go to www.drivelive.nz/BayofPlenty , a dedicated website that tells drivers what the current travel times are to get to key places. Feedback is welcomed and can be made by emailing Nigel.D'Ath@nzta.govt.nz
Roadworks that are scheduled to start in the next week or are currently underway are detailed below to help people plan ahead when travelling.
SH2 Wright Road
Contractors will be installing new guard rails on the approaches to Wright Road over the next fortnight. Motorists are advised to drive with extra care as there is considerable turning traffic and the Katicoach and school buses stop in this area.
SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi
Motorists travelling on SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi are urged to drive with extra care as work continues on a major safety upgrade.
A section of highway between Wainui South Road and Sargent Drive is being repaired and widened, and a wire rope central median barrier installed to prevent head on crashes.
Traffic is currently split with works underway in the middle of the two lanes.
Some surfaces are sealed and a 50km/h speed restriction is in place for the safety of workers and to allow the seal to bed in.
People should only expect minor delays but are urged to stay alert behind the wheel as there will be changes to the road layout over the next month.
SH29/ Takitimu Drive and SH36/Taurikura Drive roundabout upgrade
Motorists are asked to drive with extra care when travelling through the roundabouts over the next month. Tauranga City Council’s contractor is carrying out works and speed restrictions, lane closures and occasional stop/go traffic management will be in place at times from this week.
SH35 - Opotiki to Cape Runaway
Transport Agency contractors will be working at various sites along this route over the next month, carrying out drainage improvement works and clearing small slips Traffic management will be in place and motorists are advised to drive with extra care and expect minor delays.
SH2 Waioeka Gorge
Contractors will be seed spraying to help re-vegetate and stabilise a slip face in the gorge over the next week. Speed restrictions and stop/go traffic management will be in place, and motorists are advised to be prepared stop at two separate locations within the same work site. Motorists are advised to plan for delays of up to 10 minutes.
Rotorua area safety improvements
Transport Agency contractors will be making safety improvements to the state highway network around Rotorua over the next month. The changes include installing safety rails, new road marking and hazard removal to improve visability. Speed restrictions and other traffic management will be in place at times on SH30 Lower Atiamuri, SH5 Reporoa, and SH35 Opape.
The Transport Agency thanks motorists for their patience and understanding during the work.