Those who regularly travel between Wellington and Wairarapa need to be ready for the first night closure of 2026 for State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill.

The route will have a single night closure on 11 January. It will run from 9 pm Sunday night (11 January) to 4 am Monday morning (12 January).

Road crews will be clearing slips and drains, removing vegetation and mowing verges, as well as replacing road signs and renewing line markings. 

The work ensures the route is in the best possible condition it can be for road users. Maintenance is deliberately scheduled to be done at night as this is when traffic volumes on the route are at their lowest, meaning fewer drivers are affected.

Escorted crossings are available for people who need to travel while the night closure is in place. There will be two crossings in each direction that drivers can book for :

• 10.30 pm - Featherston to Hutt
• 11.30 pm - Hutt to Featherston
• 12.30 am - Featherston to Hutt
• 1.30 am - Hutt to Featherston

Bookings can be made online:  

• Remutaka Hill Closure Escort Booking Form(external link)

Drivers should plan ahead and make a booking if they need to travel the route at night, as the detour is much longer. 

These crossings are available for light vehicles only. Heavy vehicles cannot travel the route during these closures and must use the detour via the Pahiatua Track or State Highway 3 Te Ahu a Turanga.

The closure schedule for 2026 is available (see below) to allow people to plan ahead.

Important information for Remutaka Hill closures:

• Escorted crossings are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance. We always communicate well before planned closures, so people have plenty of time to make bookings.
• Bookings can be made online on the Waka Kotahi 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.
• Drivers should arrive at least 15 minutes before their crossing time. This helps ensure escorted crossings depart on time and stay on schedule.
• Drivers must follow all instructions from contractors during crossings and remain behind the pilot vehicle until the crossing is finished. This is critical for the safety of drivers and roadworkers.
• Full access is always available for emergency services for incident responses.

SH2 Remutaka Hill road night closures(external link)