The next stage of maintenance and improvements for State Highway 2 in Masterton is set to get underway next week.

The highway’s already seen resurfacing work completed on Chapel Street and Opaki Road in recent weeks, now the Waipoua Bridge is in line for work from Sunday, 19 April until Thursday, 23 April.

Nightworks are planned, 9 pm to 5 am each night and drivers need to be ready for directional closures and local road detours. Pedestrians can expect foot path closures as well (see details below). 

Road crews will complete a range of work on the bridge. This includes repairing and replacing bridge joints and installing a new streetlight near the Mobil petrol station.

The work has been scheduled to be done at night when traffic volumes are lower. This reduces the overall impact of the repairs and minimises disruption for the public. The closures will also allow the work to be completed faster and are safer for work crews.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance appreciate that roadworks are disruptive, and road closures do create travel delays. 

However, the Waipoua Bridge is an important transport link carries around 7,700 vehicles daily, regular maintenance like this is essential for ensuring it remains resilient and reliable for traffic. 

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for travelling through Masterton while this work is underway.

Works schedule and detour route:

• Sunday, 19 April and Monday, 20 April. 9 pm to 5 am
  
  • SH2 Waipoua Bridge CLOSED to southbound traffic. Southbound footpath also CLOSED
  • The road remains OPEN for northbound traffic
  • Southbound traffic to detour via Te Ore Ore Rd / Colombo Rd / Church St / Lincoln Rd
  • This detour is approved for heavy vehicles
     
• Tuesday, 21 April and Wednesday, 22 April. 9 pm to 5 am
  
  • SH2 Waipoua Bridge CLOSED to northbound traffic. Northbound footpath also CLOSED
  • The road remains OPEN for southbound traffic
  • Northbound traffic to detour via Te Ore Ore Rd / Colombo Rd / Church St / Lincoln Rd
  • This detour is approved for heavy vehicles
     
• Thursday, 23 April, 8 pm to 5 am
  
  • SH2 northbound shoulder/footpath CLOSED