Blasting in the Waioeka Gorge next week will create delays for people travelling to Gisborne from the Bay of Plenty.
Beginning Monday, the gorge 50km south of Opotiki near Sandy's Bridge will be closed for a series of two hour periods to allow removal of an unsafe rockface.

"The highway will be closed for up to two hours at a time for blasting, clearing and checking of the site then opened for an hour to allow traffic through while more charge is laid," says NZTA's Bay of Plenty state highway manager Rod James.
"Variable message signs at each end of the gorge will alert drivers to the closure times.
"Unfortunately there's no easy detour available, so we're asking road users to plan their travel to avoid delays."
The highway will be closed for a maximum of two hours during the following times:
Monday, May 24 10am- 4pm
Tuesday, May 25 10am- 4pm
Wednesday, May 26 10am- 4pm
Thursday, May 27 10am- 4pm