UPDATE 16 May:

Crews have been working hard on the State Highway 2 Carterton rebuild this week and have completed the works on the northbound lane. It means the highway will be open to traffic in both directions over the weekend, beginning around 4 pm this afternoon (Friday, 16 May).

From Monday, 19 May crews will begin work on the southbound lane. The road closure and detour will resume from 5 am Monday morning. 

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank the community for their patience and understanding while we these essential state highway works are completed.

30 April

A much-needed upgrade is coming soon for State Highway 2 in Carterton.

Road crews will be on site from Sunday, 11 May until Friday, 23 May, carrying out a full rebuild of the highway on Main Street, from just south of Dalefield Road to Hilton Road. These works are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled if bad weather occurs. 

This is the second of three major road rebuilds planned for State Highway 2 in Wairarapa this year. The first road rebuild is currently underway on State Highway 2 in Greytown, which is expected to be completed by the end of next week, weather permitting.

Approximately $8 million dollars is being invested in these projects.

State Highway investment in Wairarapa steps up(external link)

Because it is a road rebuild, substantial excavation of the highway is needed. As it is not safe for vehicles to drive on an excavated work site, a 24/7 southbound road closure is needed.

Crews will be working around the clock to finish the project much faster, and with less disruption.

The work will be carried out day and night, from Sunday night to Friday afternoon, with no work from Friday evening to Sunday evening.  

Local road detours will be available via Moreton, Para, and Waihakeke Roads. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys headed south and follow posted speed limits.

While the project is underway, there will be no parking available in the works area, and restrictions on vehicle access to properties in the project area. However, pedestrian access will be available at all times.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance understand this rebuild will affect residents and road users and will cause disruption and delays. However, the result of this rebuild will be a much stronger road with an estimated a 25-year life span. Doing this work now results in a stronger and safer road and also reduces the amount of maintenance the highway will need in the future.

We want to thank residents and road users for their understanding and patience while this essential state highway maintenance is underway.

Works schedule and detour route:

• Sunday, 11 May to Friday, 23 May.
• Works are day and night between Sunday night to Friday afternoon, with no work Friday evening to Sunday evening
• Highway will be open to traffic under a 30 km/h temporary speed limit
• More information - Carterton rebuild, May 2025(external link)
• Detour map(external link)