Regular maintenance resumes next month on State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill, with one week of night closures planned.

The highway will be closed to traffic from Sunday, 12 October, to Thursday, 16 October each night between 9 pm and 4 am. There will also be stop/go traffic controls in place during the day, from Monday morning through to Friday afternoon.

Road crews will resurface sections of the road, as well as complete drainage improvements, line marking, and maintenance work. This will include repairing safety barriers, replacing road signs, and clearing drainage channels.

The planned drainage works are extensive, and crews will need to excavate to around six metres deep into the road, which is why stop/go is required during the day when the hill is open.

State Highway maintenance is also underway along SH2 in Upper Hutt at the same time, with road closures and detours via Upper Hutt. Drivers should allow extra time for their journey along SH2, especially if they have booked an escorted crossing. More information is here:

• SH2 Hutt Valley night closures(external link)

Escorted crossings are available for people who need to travel over the Remutaka Hill at night. Due to resurfacing works, there is only one crossing, per direction, available each night. Bookings can be made here:  

• 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.

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 and provide contact details so bookings can be made.
• 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.
• Full access is always available for emergency services.

Upcoming closure schedule

Further night closures are planned for November. The schedule for the first half of 2026 is also available.

State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill. Upcoming planned night closures 2025/26:

More information

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