Works are getting underway from this week at the Meeanee Road roundabout, as part of the State Highway 2 Hawke's Bay Expressway Roads of National Significance project.

Teams will begin to prepare the northern and southern overpass footings between the existing SH2 overpass in preparation for the construction of a second Meeanee Road overpass.

During the work, temporary traffic management and pedestrian/cyclist detours will be in place.

• From Tuesday 3 February at 10am, the Meeanee Road roundabout will be reduced to a single lane. This layout will be in place for approximately 7-8 weeks. Delays are expected, particularly during peak traffic times.
• To install temporary barrier systems and adjust road markings, Stop/Go traffic management will operate between 10am and 3pm on Tuesday 3 February and Wednesday 4 February.
• Work will take place between 6.30am and 6pm Monday to Friday with occasional Saturdays
• Pedestrian and cyclist access will remain available via temporary alternative routes. Fencing and barriers will ensure safe separation from the work areas, and existing crossing points will remain with some adjustments.

These temporary arrangements are essential to safely construct new foundation structures for the Meeanee Road overpass.

Work on piling at the roundabout is expected to begin in a fortnight – on 16 February.

Other work

SH2 Tutaekuri River Bridge

• Piling work for the new bridge is underway, and due to continue through to July 2026. This work depends on fine weather, so may be postponed at short notice.
• Crews will work Monday to Friday, between 10am and 2pm only. Occasionally, crews may work the same hours on a Saturday.
• Delays of between 10 and 20 minutes may be expected during these times.
• More information

SH2 Taradale Road roundabout to Meeanee Road 

• Overnight closures starting Tuesday 3 February, 8pm til 5am each night. No work on Fridays and Saturdays.  
• Work includes flexible median barrier removal, temporary paving, line marking and the installation of temporary safety barrier.  
• Detour suitable for all vehicles including HPMV via Meeanee Road, Lee Road, Gloucester Street and Taradale Road (the reverse will apply). Over-dimensional vehicles and emergency services will be escorted through the site.  

Take extra care when driving on the Expressway 

Work sites are active near the Taradale Road roundabout and Tutaekuri River Bridge, with another planned at Meeanee Road to start early next year. 

Please take extra care when driving through the expressway. Your patience helps keep everyone safe - thank you. 

If you’d like to receive project updates via email that are relevant to residents, just email hbexpressway@nzta.govt.nz  and we’ll add you to our resident mailing list. 

HB Expressway RoNS project(external link)