Update: Series of planned works this month on SH2 in Lower Hutt
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | 18 Sept 2026 12:09pm | Wellington
18 September 2026
Changes have been made to the work programme for next week.
Previously only southbound lane closures had been planned as part of scheduled nightworks for State Highway 2 at Melling Link.
Now, there will be a full southbound closure of the highway on Tuesday night (22 September) between Melling Link Bridge and Dowse Interchange. The closure will be in place between 9 pm and 4 am.
The closure is to allow project work and highway maintenance to be completed. Local road detours will be available via Lower Hutt.
Other southbound lane closures will proceed as planned on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights.
Updated schedule
- 20 - 24 September. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday nights. 8 pm – 5 am:
- Night-time southbound lane closures, Melling Link intersection to north of the Normandale Road overbridge.
- Tuesday, 22 September, 9 pm – 4 am:
- SH2 CLOSED to southbound traffic between Melling Link Bridge and Dowse Interchange.
- Detour available via local roads in Lower Hutt.
- To access Harbour View Road, SH2 southbound drivers must turn left off SH2, travel over Melling Link Bridge, go around the roundabout, and then go straight over the intersection to Harbour View Road.
- Sunday, 27 September, to Thursday, 1 October. 8 pm – 5 am:
- Night-time southbound lane closures, Melling Link intersection to north of the Normandale Road overbridge.
10 September 2026
The timing has been changed for nighttime lane closures on State Highway 2 as part of planned works for the Melling transport Improvements project.
These will now start one hour later than previously scheduled – from 8pm (previously 7pm).
Revised schedule
Night-time southbound lane closures, Melling Link intersection to north of the Normandale Road overbridge
These are night-time southbound lane closures on the highway for the relocation of services. This work is happening over 15 nights on the following dates:
- Sunday 13 to Thursday 17 September, 8pm – 5am
- Sunday 20 to Thursday 24 September, 8pm – 5am
- Sunday 27 September to Thurs 1 October, 8pm – 5am.
The southbound lane will be reduced to one lane overnight between the Melling Link intersection and the Normandale Road overbridge. The shoulder will be swept after each shift.
9 September 2026
Planned nightworks this week for State Highway 2 between Kennedy Good Bridge and Melling Link Bridge have been completed ahead of schedule.
It means planned southbound closures planned for tonight and tomorrow night (Wednesday, 9 September and Thursday, 10 September) are no longer required, and the highway will be open.
Drivers are reminded remaining closures for scheduled the rest of the month and into early October will continue as planned (see details below)
2 September 2026
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging road users and residents to be ready for a series of planned works on State Highway 2 in Lower Hutt over the coming month. This work is part of the SH2 Melling Transport Improvements project, which is delivering a new grade-separated interchange and bridge over the Hutt River. Details below.
Night-time road closure, Kennedy Good Bridge to Melling Link Bridge
From Sunday 6 to Thursday 10 September, between 9pm and 4am, there are night-time works on the highway to located underground services, clean stormwater catch pits, and remove a temporary safety barrier near Melling Link Bridge.
During this time, the highway will be closed to southbound traffic from Kennedy Good Bridge to Melling Link Bridge. Detour via local roads.
Northbound traffic is not affected. Access to Harbour View Road will remain.
Day works underway in Melling rail corridor
From Monday 7 Sept 2026 through to March 2027, between 7.30am to 6pm, planned works are happening in the rail corridor between the Normandale Road overbridge and Melling Link intersection.
This work includes the creation of haul roads and piling work for future retaining walls.
Night-time southbound lane closures, Melling Link intersection to north of the Normandale Road overbridge
Later in September, there are night-time southbound lane closures on the highway for the relocation of services. This work will happen over a total of 15 nights across the following dates:
- Sunday 13 to Thursday 17 September, 7pm–5am
- Sunday 20 to Thursday 24 September, 7pm–5am
- Sunday 27 September to Thursday 1 October, 7pm–5am
The southbound lane will be reduced to one lane overnight between the Melling Link intersection and the Normandale Road overbridge. The shoulder will be swept after each shift.
This work will involve the use of larger machinery, with the noisiest activities expected to be completed before midnight. The noisiest work is expected to be on the first night (Sunday 13 September) from 8pm to midnight. Workers will be monitoring activities to ensure they comply with all relevant conditions and minimise disruption wherever possible.
NZTA acknowledges the disruption caused by these activities may be frustrating and inconvenient for the public, but unfortunately some disruption is inevitable.
Dates are subject to change at short notice due to weather.
Please allow extra travel time and follow all posted speed limits. Plan your journey on the Journey Planner site.