East Taratahi Rd intersection

SH2 Wairarapa safety improvements

Kia ora

As you know, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has been looking at ways to improve State Highway 2 (SH2) in the Wairarapa region.

This section of highway is a key route connecting the Wairarapa to Wellington and the central and eastern North Island. It’s important for locals, economic development and tourism and we are focused on making it safer and easier to travel on.

Speed Review

We know that deaths and serious injuries can be avoided by making some relatively simple, but effective changes like adding safety barriers, looking at speeds and improving intersections.

This year we are going to review speeds between Masterton and Featherston to make sure they are safe and appropriate.

Infrastructure Improvements

We've have started designing safety improvements, including new roundabouts, flexible safety barriers and turnaround facilities for the stretch of road between Masterton and Carterton.

We are also looking at pedestrian crossings between Masterton and Featherston to see if they are in the best locations for future growth, and if other facilities are needed along the highway.

In September 2020, we investigated 21 pedestrian crossings through Featherston, Greytown, Carterton and Masterton townships.

Most of the locations are existing pedestrian crossings although some may be relocated subject to this community feeback. All crossings are considered to be suitable for becoming raised platform crossings.

Engagement and consultation

Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to arrange a meeting. We are looking forward to working with you and really value your support.

We are holding a series of community information sessions in early November to share some of our ideas. Feel free to come along and meet our teams there too.

Ngā mihi,

Mark Owen

Manager, System Management Wellington

Masterton to Featherston Speed Review

We’re planning to get the SH2 Wairarapa speed review underway in November.

Keep an eye out for a link to our online engagement tool and further information about this in the next few weeks.

When Waka Kotahi undertakes a speed review, there are numerous steps to follow. This includes a technical assessment which considers crash history, average vehicle speeds, the number of vehicles on the road, and development of surrounding areas.

It also includes engagement and consultation with our iwi partners, councils, community, businesses and other road users. Engagement is an important step as it helps understand how local people use the road, and how they feel about the current speed limits.

Project contact: SH2Wairarapa@nzta.govt.nz

Read the media release

Have your say online

Have your say now via the interactive map

Click on the image above or follow this link

Community Drop-in Sessions

We will be asking the community to comment on speeds and infrastructure along SH2 at a series of open days in Featherston, Greytown, Carterton and Masterton in early November. A media release will be out early next week with advertising and social media to follow. 

• 05/11, Featherston Memorial RSA 3-6pm
• 06/11, Greytown Library 12-4pm
• 07/11, Carterton Events Centre 11am-3pm
• 08/11, Solway Primary School Masterton 11-4pm

Ngaumutawa Road

Safety improvements

Funding to design safety improvements along SH2 between Masterton and Carterton has been approved.

The design stage is a key step towards getting construction funding.

It involves detailed design, looking at property requirements, consenting and identifying where key underground services are located.

The team are currently:
• Designing a roundabout at the SH2/Norfolk Road intersection
• Designing a roundabout at the SH2/ Ngaumutawa Road intersection
• Looking at locations to install flexible median safety barrier, side barrier and turnaround facilities between Masterton and Carterton.

We also plan on reviewing the passing lanes and looking at some intersections to see if they need to be closed, made left-in/left-out or upgraded.

The designs are progressing, and we expect to be able to show you an early draft in the coming months.

Once detailed designs and internal sign-offs are complete, we will be able to apply for construction funding through the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) 2021-2024.

Project contact: Ulvi Salayev Ulvi.Salayev@nzta.govt.nz

More information

For more information on the SH2 Masterton to Carterton project, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with us at SH2Wairarapa@nzta.govt.nz or go online www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh2-wairarapa-highway-improvements/