Whakatāne District Council has ordered a pause to road works over the festive season to make it easier for people to get around.
The council has asked its roading contractors to stop work before Christmas and to resume a few weeks later, with Whakatāne's CBD and some other areas to be free of road works until February 8.
The Waka Kotahi national transport agency is also planning to stop work on state highways for nearly two weeks.
The council's manager transportation, Martin Taylor, says the council wants to support local communities and businesses by providing an open road network during the holiday break.
"By freeing up our roads, we're making it easier for local communities to visit whanau and shops," says Martin.
The council has asked its road contractors to sweep, tidy and clean up work areas before the holiday break.
Road works will occur only in certain situations - such as for safety, repairing faults, unexpected incidents, and street cleaning.
Council road works stop
- Friday 17 December: Urban streets / arterial rural roads (Keepa Rd, Ohope Rd, Taneatua Rd, Thornton Rd, Wainui Rd)
- Thursday 23rd December: All other rural roads
Council road works resume
- Wednesday 5 January: All rural roads
- Tuesday 8 February: Whakatane CBD, Kopeopeo retail area, Muriwai Dr
- Monday 10 January: All other urban streets
Waka Kotahi works stop (state highways)
- Midday Thursday 23 December - 9am Wednesday 5 January
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