Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
The first planned night closures of State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill for 2025 are coming up.
The route is set to be closed to traffic for five nights, 9 pm to 4 am, from Sunday, 23 February to Friday morning 28 February, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Maintenance & Operations Wellington / Top of the South for NZTA, says the route has been kept open since last December to cater for the extra traffic from KiwiRail’s closure of the Wairarapa Line for upgrades and maintenance.
“Now the rail line is open, it’s crucial we make sure the road remains in good shape for the wetter winter months ahead.
“Our road crews will be hard at work carrying out resurfacing, sign replacement, clearing drainage, maintaining barriers and line marking as well as the remedial work to the slip on the Featherston side of the hill, where the Slow Vehicle Lane is currently closed,” Mr Owen says.
He says it is essential drivers are aware of the closures and are ready for them. As well as the closures in February, more are planned overnight in March, April, May and June.
Pahiatua Track, Saddle Road alternative, longer routes, or book to be escorted
“We do not want people to be caught out by these overnight closures, as the only alternative detours are via the Pahiatua Track or Saddle Road to the north – a much longer trip.
“Escorted crossings for drivers of light vehicles are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance and can be made on the NZTA website,” Mr Owen says.
“During this closure we are only able to accommodate one escorted crossing per direction each night due to significant resurfacing works.”
Mr Owen says full closures mean maintenance works can be finished faster and they are safer for road crews.
“A critical factor is far fewer vehicles use the route at night. Around 7,000 vehicles on average travel over the hill daily, but of this 300 or fewer travel at night.
“Night closures have a far lower impact on drivers than if the work was done under stop/go during the day. They really are the best option for this work,” he says.
Important information for Remutaka Hill closures
- Escorted crossings for light vehicles are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance. We always communicate well before planned closures and provide contact details so bookings can be made.
- Bookings can be made online on the NZTA website – Remutaka Hill Closure Escort Booking Form(external link)
- Bookings are essential – drivers who turn up without one risk being turned away. If you have a genuine emergency on the night, the hill manager will decide how best to help you.
- The escorted crossings are for light vehicles only. To keep our contractors safe, heavy vehicles cannot be accommodated.
- Full access is always available for emergency services.
More information about planned maintenance closures for Remutaka Hill can be found here:
State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, planned night closures. February – June 2025:
|
Nights Closed |
Start 9 pm |
Finish 4 am |
|
5 |
23 February |
28 February |
|
1 |
9 March |
10 March |
|
5 |
6 April |
11 April |
|
1 |
18 May |
19 May |
|
1 |
15 June |
16 June |