Urgent slip prevention works

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is undertaking urgent work to improve the strength of State Highway 2 over the Remutaka Hill and keep it in a safe condition long-term for the Wairarapa and Wellington region communities it links.

As you know, the road is prone to slips from heavy rainfall which overflows the stormwater drains. A recent engineering analysis report has found several sites where work to improve the road’s long-term resilience is a priority.

Two high priority sites and two culverts due for upgrading will be strengthened from late May to early June to prevent future slips causing lengthy road closures and disruption to people’s journeys. Works being undertaken will include adding new retaining walls and culverts as well as expanding capacity for existing culverts to manage stormwater drainage. Another eight priority sites identified in the report will be strengthened over the next few years.

Timetable:

Week 1: Sunday night 16 May to Friday afternoon 21 May

• Night-time 9pm-4am: Full road closure
• Night shift workers and others with essential travel should book to cross the hill led by a pilot vehicle: 11.30pm and 1.30am from Wairarapa side to Hutt side; 10.30pm and 12.30am from Hutt side to Wairarapa side. Bookings are essential as numbers are limited for your safety and the safety of workers at multiple sites across the hill.
• Stop/go traffic control at all other times

The road will be fully open for traffic from 5pm Friday afternoon and through the weekend until 9pm Sunday night

Week 2: Sunday night 23 May to Friday afternoon 28 May

• Night-time 9pm-4am: Full road closure
• There will be access for vehicles at set times of the night led by a pilot vehicle: 11.30pm and 1.30am from Wairarapa side to Hutt side; 10.30pm and 12.30am from Hutt side to Wairarapa side. No need to book. Please queue at the closure points on either side of the hill.
• Stop/go traffic control at all other times

The road will be fully open for traffic from 5pm Friday afternoon and through the weekend.

Week 3: Monday morning 31 May to Friday afternoon 4 June

• Stop/go traffic control Stop/go traffic control during the day

Scheduled June maintenance moved to May closure

The 5-night Remutaka Hill road maintenance closure scheduled to start Sunday night 13 June has been moved and will take place at night in Week 1 of the May closure instead.