Message from Waka Kotahi

The emergency closure is planned for Thursday night, 29 September. – to allow roading crews to clear multiple slips and make the highway safe for road users. This is a new closure and not part of previously announced planned maintenance events.

The closure will run from 9 pm to 4 am.

The closure will see contractors clearing blocked drains and slips caused by recent heavy rain. This is urgent safety work and cannot wait until the next planned maintenance closure in October.

Escorted crossings for all vehicles, both trucks and light vehicles, will be available at hourly intervals without the need to book.

Please note this is a special provision for this emergency closure. It does not apply to planned maintenance closures when bookings for light vehicles are essential and access is not available for heavy trucks.

Travellers should be prepared to wait and must queue at the designated closure points on either side of the hill. Departures will be on the hour, starting from 10 pm from the Upper Hutt side of the hill and 10.30 pm from the Wairarapa side.

Escorted crossing times:

From the Upper Hutt side – 10 pm, 11 pm, 12 am, 1 am, 2 am, 3 am.

From the Wairarapa side – 10.30 pm, 11.30 pm, 12.30 am, 1.30 am, 2.30 am.

Motorists should arrange their travel outside the closure hours, if possible.

Access will remain available for emergency vehicles at all times.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while these emergency works are underway. If you have any queries, please get in touch with customer@wta.nzta.govt.nz