The road is open – there was a snow closure from approximately 10 pm to 11.20 pm overnight.
Contractors have continued to monitor and maintain the road overnight.
Winter driving conditions apply and road users must take extra care when driving the route.
They should also expect some travel delays as Stop/Go traffic controls and a lane closure will be in place from 5.30 at a slump site on the Featherston side of the hill.
Due to snow, State Highway 2 is closed between Kaitoke and Featherston.
As the closest detour is via Pahiatua Aokautere Road, there will be significantly longer travel times between Wellington and Wairarapa while the road remains closed.
This detour adds an estimated three hours to travel times.
Drivers should delay their journeys if possible and check road and weather conditions before travelling.
While wind warnings for Wellington and Wairarapa are over, drivers can expect more bad weather in the region today.
The Metservice is forecasting a southerly front with strong winds and snow later today.
For Wellington and Wairarapa, winds are predicted to rise to gales in exposed areas. Snow showers are also predicted – down to 400 metres from Wednesday evening till around midday Thursday.
This means there is a chance of snow falling on State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill.
Contractors will monitor the situation, and all efforts will be taken to keep roads open. However, bad weather always brings road hazards and the chance of road closures.
Drivers must be aware of this and drive to the conditions. Slow down, increase your following distances, and check road and weather conditions before your journey.
