The last night closures of the year are on the way for State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill later next week.

The route will be closed nightly from Sunday night (15 November) to Thursday night 19 November from 9 pm to 4 am (finishing at 4 am, Friday, 20 November).

Contractors will be clearing and repairing drainage, which will include some deep trenching, as well as clearing culverts. Drainage maintenance is important as it helps prevent water damage to the highway.

This will be the last week of night closures on the route this year. A week of night closures is scheduled for 17–22 January next year (see schedules below). Regular users of the route are strongly encouraged to make note of closure dates and to plan for them.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance acknowledge the impact full closures of State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill have on road users. However, they are the best and most effective method available.

Closing the road at night when fewer vehicles use the route means overall disruption for road users is reduced. Doing maintenance work during the day under stop/go traffic controls, when traffic volumes are higher, would have a far greater impact on the public and create far longer travel delays.

Full road closures also allow maintenance work to be completed faster, cut traffic management costs and are much safer for road crews and the public.

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. But it is important they arrive 15 minutes early for their chosen crossing time. This ensures crossings run smoothly and on time.

Escorted crossings are scheduled for the following times. There will be one crossing in each direction:

• 10.30 pm – Featherston to Hutt
• 11.30 pm – Hutt to Featherston

Drivers should plan ahead if they need to travel the route at night, as the only alternative detours are via the Pahiatua Track or State Highway 3 Te Ahu a Turanga, which are much longer routes.

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. January–June 2027

More information

• SH2 Remutaka Hill road night closures (external link)
• Maintenance closures (external link)
• State Highway Maintenance – FAQs (external link)
• Tips for driving through worksites (video) (external link)