Planned maintenance closure on State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill - now cancelled

Regular planned maintenance continues for State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill.

Update: 8.40pm 15 October

Tonight's planned maintenance closure for State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, has been cancelled because of high winds.

However, the highway remains open to all traffic. Motorcyclists and drivers of high-sided vehicles (trucks, campervans, and caravans) should drive carefully on the route while strong winds persist.

The next Remutaka Hill maintenance closure, which will involve five nights of road closures, will begin on Sunday, 5 November.

9 October

The closure is part of ongoing scheduled closures of the state highway link between Wellington and Wairarapa. It allows contractors to carry out essential maintenance and helps keep the route resilient and more reliable for drivers.

Regular users of the route will need to plan ahead, as access will be strictly limited, and escorted crossings will be reserved for people who have booked in advance.

The maintenance closure will be one night on Sunday 15 October, between 9pm and 4am. The road will be closed to all traffic.

People wanting to cross the hill during the closure should book in advance by 4pm on Friday 13 October, for an escorted crossing.

Full closures allow road crews to work more efficiently and complete repairs faster. It is also much safer as some maintenance work requires large machinery that uses most of the road area.

Waka Kotahi understands these closures do cause travel delays. However, these regular maintenance closures are essential for keeping a vital state highway link open. They also significantly reduce the risk of bigger failures, which could create more disruption for road users. We appreciate your patience and understanding while our contractors carry out their work.

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 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.
• Bookings can be made by emailing: customer@wta.nzta.govt.nz
• The escorted crossings are for light vehicles only. To keep our contractors safe, heavy vehicles can’t be accommodated.
• Full access to the route is always available for emergency services.

State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill closure dates October – December 2023

SH2 Remutaka Hill road night closures

Remutaka Hill slump site update

Work will soon begin on constructing a retaining wall to repair the area where the roadside has slumped on the Featherston side of the hill. The work will be done within the existing lane closure and is scheduled to be finished by Christmas.