Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says the closure of the Saddle Road this week and next is to enable better quality work and ensure the safety of crews and road users.
The Saddle Road will be closed between 9am and 4pm every day this week, except Friday, when the road will close at 10am.
There will be a further closure each day next week as well.
The closures have come as the school holidays start, and Waka Kotahi has been criticised for this.
The agency said the next two weeks closures at the last scheduled repairs for the season.
Motorists will need to use the Pahiatua Track, and Waka Kotahi says drivers will need to allow extra time for journeys.
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The Metservice says there is moderate confidence of warning amounts of rain for the ranges of Hawke’s Bay tomorrow and Wednesday.
Forecasters say a large and complex low pressure system just north of New Zealand is forecast to move away to the southeast, with rain and wind associated with the system affecting parts of the North Island.
Isolated showers or rain are expected in the region for the next three days, before the weather clears on Thursday.
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Weekend Rugby
Manawatu : The Dannevirke Seniors beat Massey Rams 34-24; with the Colts beating Massey Colts 42-38.
Bush Competition : Puketoi have booked a semi-final this weekend, after a 34-19 quarter-final win over Greytown on Saturday.
Greytown put first points on the board in the game, and lead 19-10 at the halftime break.
In the second half it was all Puketoi on the points board with tries to Tyson Herbert, Scott McPherson, Cam Ratima and Dylan Breingan, who crossed the line twice in the game.
Puketoi will play Tuhirangi in the semi’s this weekend.
Hawke’s Bay : It was semi-finals time in Division 1 with Aotea beating Napier Old Boys Marist 49-46.
It was also semi-finals for the Colts grade, with Central beating Napier Tech 16-11.
In Division 2 Central beat Clive 36-24, Porangahau lost to MAC 31-30, with Bridge Pa beating Waipawa Country United, 33-19.