Drainage improvements planned in March for State Highway 59

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | 25 Feb 2026 12:59pm | Wellington

State Highway 59 on the Kāpiti Coast is in line for routine drainage maintenance starting early next month.

Work crews will be completing drainage works and replacing roadside safety barriers on the route, with the work expected to take around four weeks to complete, beginning Monday, 2 March.

The drainage work is extensive and will be carried out along approximately 700 metres of SH59, just north of Pukerua Bay (see site map below).

These works have been timed with the completion of major drainage and resurfacing works along State Highway 1 Transmission Gully, ensuring less congestion on SH59 which has been used as an alternative route in recent months.

The work is critical for keeping the highway in good shape and safe for users. Well-maintained drainage ensures reduced risk of water on the road which causes damage to the road surface.

Fixing safety barriers is also important. They are a key tool for keeping drivers safe when crashes occur and reducing the risk of death or serious injury.

Impact on traffic

The work is being timed to be done at night on Sunday to Thursdays only, between 7 pm and 5:30 am - when traffic volumes are lower.

Stop/go traffic management and a reduced 30 km/h speed limit will be required.

This will create short delays and drivers must factor it into their travel plans. Heavy vehicles are especially advised to use State Highway 1 Transmission Gully as an alternative route.

This work may be affected by bad weather and schedules may change. Drivers are encouraged to check road conditions before they travel.

Further works

A road rebuild is also planned for SH59 between Pukerua Bay township and just north of Pukerua Bay, as shown in the map below.

This is currently scheduled to be done in May. More details will be shared once they are confirmed.

Works schedule

Monday 2 March to Friday 27 March. Sunday to Thursday nights, 7pm – 5:30am
SH59 under stop/go traffic management and 30 km/h temporary speed limit between 7 pm and 5:30 am
Expect short delays. Heavy vehicles should use SH1 Transmission Gully as an alternative route.