SH2 Ngāūranga to Featherston speed review

Speed increases the likelihood of crashes and the severity of crashes when they happen.

A small reduction in speed can make a big difference, especially when cyclists or pedestrians are involved. Most crashes are caused by several factors, but even when speed is not the cause of a crash, it will most likely determine whether you survive a crash or walk away unharmed.

How speed reviews work

We have changed the way we review and set speed limits nationwide. Under the new Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2022, there is a new process which involves creating State Highway Speed Management Plans every three years.

An Interim Speed Management Plan (ISMP) is the first stepping stone towards this new way of setting speed limits

Waka Kotahi consulted with communities on the ISMP across New Zealand, for one month, in all regions, from 14 November to 12 December 2022. The ISMP includes the first set of proposed speed changes for SH2 from Ngāūranga to Featherston.

These changes integrate with intersection safety improvements, and the safety improvements proposed for SH2 over the Remutaka Hill.

Future speed changes, to align with future stages of safety improvements, will be considered as part of the full State Highway Speed Management plans.

The proposed speed changes for SH2 included in the ISMP are below.  

Location

Description

Existing speed limit (km/h)

Proposed new speed limit (km/h)

Featherston south

West of Renall Street to northwest of Renall Street

100

80

Remutaka Hill

Northwest of Renall Street to south of Marchant Road

100

60

Kaitoke to Te Mārua (Upper Hutt)

South of Marchant Road to northeast of Twin Lakes Road

100

80

Brown Owl urban

North of Akatarawa Road to west of Mangaroa Hill Road

70

50

Moonshine Hill Road

East of Moonshine Hill Road to west of Moonshine Hill Road – northbound only

100

60

Owen Street to Grounsell Crescent

In both directions for Owen Street to Grounsell Crescent

100

80

The final ISMP is awaiting review and certification by the Director of Land Transport, following which we will confirm which speed limit changes will be implemented. We expect to be able to announce the final decision before the end of the year.

SH2 Hutt Valley and Remutaka frequently asked questions