Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Drivers travelling on State Highway 2 through the Hutt Valley at night next week can expect to see some roadworks on their journeys.
The Wellington Transport Alliance will resurface parts of the highway on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, weather permitting.
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South, says the work is part of the the annual state highway maintenance programme.
“We are continuing work that’s been ongoing on the route since the start of summer. Sections of highway are at the stage where they need resurfacing.”
“Road crews will add a layer of specialised asphalt on top of the existing road. It improves the surface texture, skid resistance and water drainage. Not only does it make the highway safer, it also extends its life cycle,” Mr Owen says
He says the work will be done at night when there are fewer vehicles on the roads. The work will require partial highway closures and stop/go traffic controls and some short detours will be needed to avoid work areas.
“You can’t do work like this without causing some disruption for drivers, but doing it at night minimises the impact as much as possible.”
Mr Owen warns that, with the State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill night closures also underway during the week, it’s essential that drivers factor the Hutt Valley works into their travel plans.
“We don’t want people to miss the 9 pm cut-off for the Remutaka Hill closure or to miss escorted crossings they have booked for. If you are driving between Wellington and Wairarapa next week, plan ahead and make sure the road works don’t catch you out.”
NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank drivers for their patience and cooperation while this essential maintenance is completed. Drivers must follow traffic management in place and observe all temporary speed limits. They are there to keep the public and roadworkers safe.
Works Schedule and Detour Routes:
Kelson/Major Drive Intersection
- Monday, 15 April, 9 pm – 4 am
- Stop/Go Traffic Management
- Southbound drivers needing to access Kelson will need to detour at Grounsell Crescent. Detour signs will be in place.
Kelson/Major Drive Intersection detour map
Melling Link Intersection
- Wednesday, 16 April. 9 pm – 4 am
- Southbound closure at Melling Link intersection
- Southbound drivers must turn left onto Melling Link Rd and then turn around at the roundabout. This detour is suitable for heavy vehicles
- Because of the detour, Tirohanga residents will face significant delays when using Tirohanga Rd. It is recommended they use Harbour View Rd to access State Highway 2.
Melling Link Intersection detour map
Dowse Interchange to Melling Link- SH2 CLOSED NORTHBOUND
- Thursday, 18 April. 10 pm – 4 am 9 (later start time to allow for late night shopping in Lower Hutt)
- State Highway 2 will be CLOSED to northbound traffic between the Dowse Interchange and Melling Link
- Drivers heading north must exit at the Dowse Interchange and follow detour signs via Hutt Road and Railway Avenue to Melling Link Road to access State Highway 2 again.
- This will add approximately eight minutes to journey times
Dowse Interchange to Melling Link detour map
