The NZ Transport Agency says work to improve a section of State Highway 1 through the Dome Valley north of Auckland will cause delays for drivers this afternoon (25 May).

Contractors are sealing the highway near Falls Bridge as part of a $493,000 safety upgrade and the work will cause queues until during the afternoon until this evening.

"We apologies for any inconvenience, but we are trying to get the work completed as quickly as possible this afternoon before the weather breaks," says the NZTA's Regional Assets Manager, Steve Mutton.

Drivers should allow more time for their journeys, or use State Highway 16 as an alternative route.

The Falls Bridge project also includes safety improvements to the camber and alignment of two curves, widening the highway's shoulders, a drainage upgrade and new signage.