Drivers travelling on State Highway 2 through Lower Hutt are urged to be ready for a planned nighttime southbound road closure for the Melling Transport Improvements project.

The highway will be closed southbound from the Melling intersection to Dowse Drive interchange, on Sunday, 5 July and Monday, 6 July, between 9 pm and 4 am.

The closure is needed to allow the road layout to be changed to accommodate a shoulder closure. This is for ongoing construction work behind the side safety barrier, as part of the Melling Transport Improvements project.

This work will be done at night when traffic volumes are lower. This minimises delays and disruption for road users. Traffic management crews will begin setting up the closure from 7 pm.

Southbound drivers heading towards Wellington will need to follow local road detours through Lower Hutt and rejoin SH2 at the Dowse Drive interchange. Please allow extra travel time and follow all posted speed limits throughout the area.

Access to Harbour View Road, Tirohanga Road and Melling Link Bridge will remain open at all times. Northbound traffic will not be affected.

These detours are on local roads with lower speed limits and will require extra travel time. Drivers should plan their journeys accordingly.

Thanks for your patience while we continue work to deliver a safer, more resilient interchange for the Hutt Valley.

Work schedule

• Sunday 5 July and Monday 6 July, 9 pm – 4 am.
  • SH2 CLOSED to southbound traffic between Melling intersection and Dowse Drive interchange.
  • SH2 remains OPEN for northbound traffic.
  • Southbound traffic must detour on local roads through Lower Hutt and back onto SH2 at Dowse Dr.
  • Drivers should plan ahead and allow for extra travel time.