The southbound lane of State Highway 36 through Ngongotahā will be closed for six weeks starting Monday.

The closure is to allow for repair works, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said.

Essential repairs are needed on the section of road between the railway line and Gull Ngongotahā.

“The pavement on this section of SH36 has been patched for many years now and requires a full asphalt rebuild,” the agency said.

“These repairs are a priority to prevent pavement failures this winter.”

The southbound lane of SH36 will be closed between Wikaraka St and Hall Rd for six weeks from March 9.

Traffic will be detoured at Wikaraka St.

The closure will operate each week from Monday at 9am until Friday at 2.30pm.

There will be no weekend work and the southbound lane will reopen from Friday at 2.30pm until Monday at 9am, NZTA said.

Northbound traffic will continue to use SH36 with a reduced speed limit in place, while the detour will manage all southbound movement.

“We are working closely with our contractor to ensure the work is carried out safely and efficiently while minimising disruption as much as possible.

“Our priority is the safety of all road users and our work crews.”

NZTA said the one-way closure allowed crews to complete the work as efficiently as possible, minimising ongoing disruption.