With extra maintenance work planned, Wellington drivers can expect additional closures of the Mount Victoria and Terrace tunnels this month and in June.

Previous schedules have been changed and updated to allow for additional works including road resurfacing and tree maintenance works. Works are weather-dependent and may be postponed at short notice. 

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance understand the additional closures do create added disruption for drivers. However, the State Highway tunnels are critical transport infrastructure, and it is essential they are properly maintained.

Terrace Tunnel:

Four sets of night closures are planned: 11 May (Monday); 26–28 May (Tuesday – Thursday); 8 June (Monday); and 22 – 23 June (Monday – Tuesday). Closures will be in place from 9 pm to 4.30 am.

Mount Victoria Tunnel:

Two sets of closures are planned. The first will be on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights next week (12-14 May), followed by Tuesday, 9 June. The tunnel will be closed to all traffic between 9 pm and 4.30 am.

Contractors will carry out routine maintenance in the tunnel and also complete resurfacing works on Ruahine Street. 

Traffic travelling between the Wellington CBD and Kilbirnie/Miramar will have to detour on local roads via Adelaide Road, Riddiford Street, and Constable Street (see map below). This will require extra travel time and drivers should plan accordingly.

During these closures, work crews will carry out routine tunnel maintenance, resurfacing work north of the tunnel, and tree trimming. This will also require a full closure of the northbound Clifton Terrace onramp.

Drivers will have to use alternative routes to leave the Wellington CBD – e.g., Aotea Quay, Molesworth Street, Murphy Street, Hawkestone Street.

Arras Tunnel: 

There will only be one Arras Tunnel closure before the end of June. This is planned for Wednesday, 10 June. 

There were previously five tunnel closures scheduled for May to June. A further eight closures have been added to complete essential road resurfacing and tree maintenance works. 

Work schedules and detour maps

• Monday, 11 May. 9 pm – 4.30 am
  SH1 Terrace Tunnel and Clifton Terrace onramp CLOSED
  Local road detour available (as per below map)
   
• Tuesday, 12 May, Wednesday, 13 May, and Thursday, 14 May. 9 pm – 4.30 am
  SH1 Mount Victoria Tunnel CLOSED
  Local road detour available (as per below map)
   
• Tuesday, 26 May, Wednesday, 27 May and Thursday, 28 May 
  SH1 Terrace Tunnel and Clifton Terrace onramp CLOSED
  Drivers must use the sign-posted detour route.
   
• Monday, 8 June. 9 pm – 4.30 am 
  SH1 Terrace Tunnel CLOSED
  Drivers must use the sign-posted detour route.
   
• Tuesday, 9 June. 9 pm - 4.30 am
  SH1 Mount Victoria Tunnel CLOSED
  Drivers must use the sign-posted detour route.
   
• Wednesday, 10 June. 9 pm - 4.30 am
  SH1 Arras Tunnel CLOSED
  Drivers must use the sign-posted detour route.
   
• Monday, 22 June and Tuesday, 23 June. 9 pm - 4.30 am
  SH1 Terrace Tunnel CLOSED
  Drivers must use the sign-posted detour route.

Detour maps [PDF, 6.2 MB]