Work on the road rebuild on State Highway 2 Solway in Masterton is all but complete.

Drivers can expect a much smoother and longer lasting road surface, which will require less maintenance in the future.

While work crews have had to deal with wet weather over the last few weeks, the final layer of asphalt was laid today.

The aim is to have the road reopened to traffic in both directions tonight. Residents and businesses will then have full access to their properties and driveways.

However, due to recent bad weather, there are still some minor works to complete. 

Work crews will complete line marking and minor paving near manholes under a southbound road closure on Sunday night, (15 June) from 8 pm. Northbound traffic can travel as normal.

The highway will be re-opened by Monday night, weather permitting.

Road rebuilds in the Wairarapa(external link)

Solway (Masterton) rebuild(external link)

30 May:

Despite wet weather earlier this week, work on the rebuild of State Highway 2 in Masterton is progressing well.

The road closure is expected to be removed tonight and the highway to be open to two lanes over the King’s Birthday weekend. This will allow holiday traffic to flow smoothly.

Work on the project continues next week, and the road closures will resume from 8 pm on Monday night (2 June). 

These works are expected to be completed by Friday, 13 June, weather permitting.

14 May:

Work to rebuild and improve State Highway 2 in Wairarapa continues, with Masterton the next location where work will be underway later this month.

Since late April, the Wellington Transport Alliance has been working on road rebuild projects in both Greytown and Carterton. The Greytown road rebuild is now complete and crews are currently working at Carterton. The result will be stronger, safer sections of well-used highway that will now need fewer maintenance and repairs in the future.

State Highway investment in Wairarapa steps up(external link)

Contractors will rebuild State Highway 2 between South Belt and Fleet Street, beginning Sunday, 25 May and continuing until Friday, 13 June, weather permitting. 

The work will be Sunday to Thursday nights and Monday to Friday during the day. 

A 24/7 road closure will be required for southbound traffic, with a detour via Vivian Street, Harley Street and South Belt. Northbound traffic will be able to travel through the site at a reduced speed limit of 30 km/h. 

Drivers must observe this lower speed limit for the safety of our works crews and the public. The detour will add to travel times and drivers should allow extra time for their journeys.

On-street parking will be removed in the works area, and access to properties will be restricted for up to five days. This is because the road has to be excavated and will be unsafe for traffic to drive on. 

The project will be completed one section at a time, in six sections (see map below). This helps minimise the length of time residents and businesses are affected.

Work Schedule:

• Sunday, 25 May to Friday, 13 June.
• Construction will be underway Sunday to Thursday nights, and Monday to Friday during the day.
• SH2 will be closed to southbound traffic between South Belt and Fleet Street. It will remain open to northbound traffic under a temporary speed limit of 30 km/h.
• Local road detours available via Vivian Street, Harley Street and South Belt.

Detour Map:

Works area:

More Information:

• State Highway 2 in the Wairarapa requires significant investment to ensure the state highway is functioning to a high standard. The NZTA Wellington Transport Alliance (WTA) is undertaking an extensive programme of works in the Wairarapa region over the next three years to fix sections of the state highway network most in need of investment.
• Wellington Transport Alliance(external link)
• State Highway Maintenance – FAQs(external link)
• Tips for driving through worksites (video)(external link)