SH2 Wairarapa highway improvements

20 June 2024

Road rehabilitation State Highway 2 Carterton

Wairarapa drivers and Carterton residents are in the 3rd week of experiencing major roadworks on State Highway 2, Carterton.

The NZ Transport Agency Wellington Transport Alliance (WTA) work crews began road reconstruction at the northern end of the town on Monday 3 June and it’s expected the works will be completed by late June, weather permitting.

We appreciate that this work has been heavily disruptive for the community, however it is crucial that we complete this work. The road condition through this part of Carterton was in a poor state and needs comprehensive work. The investment being made now will result in a much improved and resilient road - one that will need fewer repairs in the future.

The area being worked on is State Highway 2 High Street between Rhodes Street and Andersons Line.

Road closures, speed restrictions, night and day works, parking restrictions, and local road detours are part of the project.

This includes access restrictions for residents and businesses between Rhodes Street and south of Andersons Line. The nature of the work being done means it is unsafe for vehicles to drive through the works area.

Vehicle access to affected properties is available in emergencies, and contractors will ensure pedestrian access and footpaths remain open. However, residents and businesses will have to park their vehicles on side streets while access is unavailable.

The NZTA Wellington Transport Alliance thank the public for their patience and understanding while this work is completed.

You can find more information about these works here.

Works location, schedule, and detour routes

The works area is between Rhodes Street and south of Andersons Line. One side of High Street is being worked on day and night during these phased works. Construction work is mostly Sunday night through to Friday afternoon, with detours in place 24/7

Southbound vehicles  detour down Somerset Road, Carters Line and Park Road. Drivers must follow signposted detours.

The detour  adds extra time to travel times. Drivers are urged to plan ahead, particularly during peak traffic times.

Check the detour route here

Progress on works schedule

Works are progressing well and ahead of schedule, as of 20th June. We've completed the northbound side of the road, between Rhodes Street and south of Andersons Line.

Work is currently underway on the southbound side of the road and we’re expecting to complete all works by late June, weather permitting.

Chapel Street Masterton major works now complete

We’ve recently finished maintenance on State Highway 2 Chapel Street in Masterton, which involved a full reconstruction of the road across three sections.

As shown in the top photo, the road had sections of cracking surface, which ran deeper under the road.

Over the five weeks of work, roadworkers excavated the road deeper than usual to build a new base to strengthen the road, meaning it’ll require less maintenance overall.

By rebuilding these sections, we no longer need to complete ongoing short-term repairs, which’ll reduce disruption for everyone travelling through the area.

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