Motorists will have to take detours along the Hibiscus Coast Highway for the next four to six weeks.

This is due to the installation of raised pedestrian crossings between Empire Road and Riverside Road, Orewa.

These form part of the exciting new improvements to Orewa Boulevard.

The detours will be done in two stages – the first stage will run until Friday, 19 August.

All south-bound traffic on the highway must follow the detour signs via Riverside Road, Centreway Road, Pine Road, and Empire Road.

Southbound traffic along Hibiscus Coast Highway will be affected until August 19.

The second stage will be from Monday, 22 August until Friday, 2 September.

North-bound traffic on the highway will be diverted via Empire Road, Pine Road, Centreway Road and Riverside Road.

Northbound traffic along the Hibiscus Coast Highway will be affected from 22 August until 2 September.

Temporary pedestrian crossings will be outside 262 and 282 Hibiscus Coast Highway.

The beach and shops will still be accessible to the public.

These detours are part of Auckland Transport’s plan to improve Orewa Boulevard to make the seaside town a world-class destination.

Construction began in April and is set to end in October – just in time for summer.