Safer SH2 coming soon for the Wairarapa

Kia ora koutou

Construction firm Higgins Contractors has been appointed to deliver a major safety improvement project on State Highway 2 between Masterton and Carterton over the next two years.
 
The safety improvements between Masterton and Carterton are one component of work to make SH2 in the Wairarapa safer for everyone who uses it, alongside upgrades to pedestrian crossings in the towns and a review of speed limits which is still in progress.

The project includes three new roundabouts at high-risk intersections along the corridor:

• SH2 and Ngaumutawa Road (improving safe access onto the heavy traffic bypass)
• SH2 and Norfolk/Cornwall Roads
• SH2 and Wiltons/East Taratahi Roads.

The project will also deliver central median wire-rope barriers, a safe turnaround area near the Clareville Saddlery/Hughes Line, and improved line marking and road surfacing along an 8.6km-long stretch of SH2.

Improving roads and intersections, providing safer crossings for people walking or biking, and ensuring the speed limit is right for the road are all key components of Road to Zero, New Zealand’s road safety strategy. Road to Zero is built on the idea that mistakes will happen, but that if you make a mistake, it shouldn’t be fatal for you, your passengers or anyone else on the road around you.

Higgins will be on site completing preliminary work such as ground investigations and survey, and relocating underground services in the coming weeks. Construction on the first roundabout, at Wiltons Road and East Taratahi Road is expected to begin in approximately August this year.

Ngā mihi
The project team

SH2 Masterton to Carterton feedback summary

Last year, we asked you if there was anything else we should consider before we start construction new roundabouts, median barriers and other safety improvements on SH2 between Masterton and Carterton. We’ve now confirmed the design, and will be starting construction shortly.

As part of the engagement, we received over 1300 individual pieces of feedback – a great result. It shows the level of interest in making this section of SH2 safer. We heard from residents and landowners, mana whenua, MPs, local government representatives, local businesses and organisations, and people who use SH2 every day. We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to share their thoughts on the designs. This input has been vital in shaping our plans and confirming the best solutioans for this stretch of SH2.

Our website has the full consultation summary, which includes a snapshot of some of the feedback, a rundown of the engagement we received (such as nearly 11,000 views on our project webpage!) and some of the key concerns raised during consultation.
To read the full summary, view the confirmed designs and learn more about the project, please visit here.

More information

For more information on the SH2 Masterton to Featherston project, visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/sh2-wairarapa