Update: 3 May 2024
Changes are being to the work plan and schedule for the State Highway 2 Chapel Street rehabilitation project in Masterton.
Site investigations have found a section of road near the Lincoln Road roundabout that needs to be fixed under a full road closure during night works next week.
It means there will be a full closure of Chapel Street between the Lincoln Road and Renall Street roundabouts from 9pm to 5am, from Sunday 5 May to Thursday 9 May.
Chapel Street’s northbound lane will also be closed to traffic during the day on Monday (6 May) between 5am and 9pm to allow further work on this section of the road.
It is essential residents, businesses, and road users are aware of the changes, and ensure they plan their travel accordingly.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance want to thank the public for their patience and understanding as these essential State Highway repairs are carried out.
Update: 26 April 2024
Drivers using State Highway 2 through Masterton are urged to plan their travel carefully as road rehabilitation works continue on Chapel Street.
The first section to be reconstructed is between Jackson Street and the Lincoln Road roundabout. Work begins this Sunday, 28 April.
It will be followed by a second section between Michael Street and Russell Street, which is expected to begin around 9 May. This work is planned to be night only, but day works may be added, if schedules permit, to speed construction. Updates will be provided if this is required.
Work will be ongoing until the end of May/early June. Most construction will be done at night to minimise disruption to drivers, businesses and residents. The nature of the work means there will be access and noise impacts for some residents and businesses.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance appreciate that this work will affect drivers, residents, and businesses and may cause inconvenience and frustration. However, this section of State Highway 2 is in poor condition and has reached the end of its life.
These works will significantly improve the quality of the road, meaning it will need fewer repairs and less maintenance in the future.
For the safety of the public and our road crews, drivers must obey all traffic management and temporary speed limits in place while the road works are ongoing. These measures are there to keep the public and road crews safe.
View larger map of the Chapel Street detour [PDF, 179 KB]
19 April 2024:
Masterton residents and regular travellers through the Wairarapa town need to be ready for rehabilitation works on State Highway 2, Chapel St, which are due to start this weekend.
From Sunday, 21 April, through to Wednesday, 5 June, weather permitting, contractors will work on Chapel Street between Jackson Street and Lincoln Road roundabout, followed by Chapel Street between Michael and Russel Streets.
The project will see the full rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road. This means the road sections must be excavated to a depth of around 400 mm and a new structural asphalt base laid.
One side of Chapel Street will be closed day and night throughout the work schedule, meaning vehicles must detour down Dixon Street. We encourage road users to follow signposted detours.
Once completed, these works will significantly enhance the strength of State Highway 2 Chapel Street, making it more resilient to potholes and traffic damage. This will not only improve the road's lifespan but also enhance the overall safety of all road users.
The works are timed to minimise disruption for businesses and drivers as much as possible. They will be done at night between 9 pm and 4 am. The work is weather-dependent, and timeframes may change if bad weather occurs.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance greatly appreciate the public's patience and cooperation during this crucial work. We urge all drivers to follow all traffic management and temporary speed limits in place, as they are there to ensure everyone's safety.