Regular users of State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill are warned to be ready for a planned maintenance closure later this month.

The route will be closed on Sunday night (19 July) from 9 pm to 4 am  (finishing at 4 am, Monday, 20 July).

Contractors will carry out drainage maintenance, graffiti removal, and resurface patches on the road. Keeping drains clear helps protect the road surface from water damage and reduces the risk of pavement damage.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance appreciate that a full closure is significant and does affect peoples’ travel plans.

However, closing the road at night when fewer vehicles use the route means disruption is far less than if it were done during the day under stop/go traffic controls.

It also allows maintenance work to be completed faster, reduces traffic management costs, and improves safety for road crews.

Escorted crossings are available for people who need to travel while the night closure is in place. Drivers do not need to book for an escorted crossing, instead please arrive 15 minutes early to your chosen crossing time and you will be escorted across the hill. There will be one crossing in each direction:

• 10.30 pm - Featherston to Hutt
• 11.30 pm - Hutt to Featherston
• 12:30 am - Featherston to Hutt
• 1:30 am – Hutt to Featherston

Drivers should plan ahead if they need to travel the route at night, as the only alternative detour is via the Pahiatua Track or SH3 Te Ahu a Turanga, which is a much longer route.

Work crews will always do their best to help people join escorted crossings, but people are urged to make sure they arrive on time for them.

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:

• Contractors lead vehicles through the closed part of the road – this is called an ‘escorted crossing’.
• Bookings are no longer required for escorted crossings, and they are available during every closure.
• To keep our people safe, escorted crossings are only available for light vehicles – we cannot escort heavy vehicles.
• Emergency vehicles with flashing lights can always use the road.
• 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 road workers.
• The only detour is through SH1, SH57 and SH3. This is a very long detour, so people should travel early if possible or join an escorted crossing. Detour signs are activated while the road is closed.

State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, planned night closures, July – December 2026: