Night closures planned next month for State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill

One week of night closures are coming for State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill.

The route is set to be closed to traffic for five nights, 9 pm to 4 am, from Sunday, 6 April until Thursday, 10 April.

Because State Highway 2 over Remutaka Hill is narrow and winding, there is not enough space to accommodate traffic and maintenance equipment. A full closure allows maintenance works to be finished much faster and with fewer disruptions for traffic.

SH2 Remutaka Hill summit

Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, says it will be the only full week of night closures between now and the middle of the year.

“While further closures are planned in May and June, both of these will only be for a single night.

She says work crews will be making the most of the closure to make sure the route is in the best possible shape for the wet winter months.

“They will be clearing slip and rockfall debris, replacing signs, as well as  doing paving work and safety barrier repairs.”

“Keeping debris off the road and out of drains is essential. When it rains, we want to ensure water doesn’t run across the road as it is a safety risk,” Ms Hilliard says.

She says the resurfacing work and barrier repairs are critical too.

“A smoother road is a safer road and motorcyclists, in particular, have a higher crash rate compared to other vehicles on the Remutaka Hill. The safety barriers provide vital protection for them if things go wrong.”

She urges regular users of the route to ensure they are ready for the closures and to book an escorted crossing if they need to travel over the Remutaka Hill at night

“If you are not booked, you may not be able to join a crossing. We absolutely do not want drivers to be in this situation, given that the only detours are a much longer trip via the Paihiatua Track or Saddle Road,” Ms Hilliard says.

Important information for Remutaka Hill closures:

• Escorted crossings are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance. We always communicate well before planned closures and provide contact details so bookings can be made.
• Bookings can be made online on the Waka Kotahi website - Remutaka Hill Closure Escort Booking Form(external link)
• Bookings are essential - drivers who turn up without one risk being turned away. If you have a genuine emergency on the night, the hill manager will decide how best to help you.
• The escorted crossings are for light vehicles only. To keep our contractors safe, heavy vehicles cannot be accommodated.
• Full access is always available for emergency services.

More information about planned maintenance closures for Remutaka Hill can be found on our website:

• SH2 Remutaka Hill road night closures
• Wellington Transport Alliance

State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, planned night closures. January – June 2025: