SH2 Wairarapa highway improvements

1 March 2024

Welcome to our March update

As we enjoy the last of the summer weather, it’s a good time to update you with the latest information on the Masterton to Carterton Safety Improvement Project.

Work on some outstanding road repairs are being started this Sunday. We’re planning to be on the road at night between 7pm and 6am, on Sundays to Thursdays from Sunday 3 March through to Thursday 14 March.

People travelling between Masterton and Carterton can expect travel delays while this work is underway. Please allow extra time for travel.

To ensure disruption is minimised, the work will be done at night when traffic is lower.  Reduced speed limits in place while repairs are underway and shortly after completion, to let the repairs settle down.

Temporary speed limits of 30 km/h will be in place on resurfaced areas for 48 hours after laying of new chipseal. It’s essential drivers keep to the temporary speed limits to prevent damage to their cars and also new road surfaces.

Local road detours will be available on Hughes Line, however, drivers are encouraged to continue to use the highway and not use rural back roads.

NZTA’s Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Jetesh Bhula, says after the works are completed road users will have a better road to drive on.

“Road surface issues, such as rutting, potholing, minor defects, loss of chip and bleeding will be worked on.

“Some of the works are small, while others will need longer to complete, and it all must be done under controlled conditions to ensure road crews and drivers are kept safe.”

We know it’s vital the highway be fixed.  It appears a combination of a very wet winter last year and a hot and dry summer this year has drawn up moisture into the road layers and caused problems with the road surface.

We know this means further disruption for road users and residents, however, it’s vital this is done now in good weather conditions.

“Getting the road right is the priority. We know this extra work will be frustrating but it makes sense to get the job done now while the weather is warm and dry which will help avoid further problems during wet weather over winter,” says Jetesh Bhula.

Works schedule and locations

• Sunday, 3 March, 7 pm – 6 am
o Stabilisation of the southbound lane near the Clareville Saddlery

• Monday, 4 March, 7 pm – 6 am 
o Sealing of the previous night’s stabilised section. Stabilisation of the southbound lane near the rest area.

• Tuesday, 5 March, 7 pm – 6 am
o Sealing of the previous night’s stabilised section.

• Wednesday, 6 March, 7 pm – 6 am  
o Stabilisation of the northbound lane from the old Norman Avenue entrance to the Norfolk Road roundabout

• Thursday 7 March, 7 pm – 6 am
o Sealing of the previous night’s stabilised section. Stabilisation of the northbound lane from the Wiltons Road roundabout to Ravensdown

• Friday 8 March, 8 pm – 6 am
o Sealing of the previous night’s stabilised section. Please note – crews will be starting at 8 pm to allow for weekend traffic.

• Sunday 10 March, 7 pm – 6 am
o Stabilisation of the northbound lane from the turnaround to the rest area

• Monday 11 March, 7 pm – 6 am
o Sealing of the previous night’s stabilised section.

Remutaka Hill gets new safety barriers

During March there’s also a lot of activity on the Remutaka Hill, and the best news for motorcyclists is that this work is directly about keeping them safer.

SH2 Remutaka Hill is a high-risk road for crashes.  Here are some sobering numbers:

Between 2014 and 2023 there were 382 crashes on SH2 Remutaka Hill (Twin Bridges to Marchant Rd), of these:

o 5 were fatal crashes

o 29 were serious injury crashes

o 86 were minor injury crashes

o 262 were non-injury crashes

This month’s motorcyclist barrier work includes installation of new side barriers and more under-barriers at high-risk locations, to improve safety for motorcyclists. The works include improved road signage and road markings.

We will be installing new guardrails, motorcycle underruns and sections of barriers.

Currently there is 5.8 km of motorcycle underrun barrier on the route. During these works 750m of new side barriers, and 2.6 km of new barrier with motorcycle underrun protection will be constructed.

Older barriers are being replaced, as well as replacing barriers that can't accommodate the motorcycle underrun. Underrun barrier needs to be installed on steel posts, and not timber posted guardrail.

We’ll be getting this work done alongside a range of road maintenance work, as part of the current round of SH2 Remutaka Hill Road night closures.

To find out more about the closures, including dates times and details for escorted crossings, visit our website: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh2-remutaka-hill-road-night-closures/

More information

If you know anyone who might be interested in these updates, they can sign up on this webpage here.

Any questions, comments or feedback?  Get in touch by phone on 0800 353 824 or email us at SH2Wairarapa@nzta.govt.nz.

Follow these social media accounts for important State Highway updates:

Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz

NZTA Wellington Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWgtn

NZTA South Island Facebook: facebook.com/NZTASouthIsland

NZTA Wellington Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWgtn

NZTA Top of the South Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiTOTS