A major rebuild of State Highway 2 between Brooklyn Road and Howard Street in Carterton begins next Monday, (21 September), with road users advised to plan ahead for a 24/7 northbound detour.

The work is expected to take up to three weeks to complete, weather permitting.  

Crews will work day and night from Sunday nights until Friday afternoons. No construction is planned between Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, but temporary traffic management will remain in place.

Duncan Mundell, Renewal/Project Delivery Manager, says the rebuild is needed because this section of State Highway 2 needs more than a new surface. 

“It is at the end of its life and requires a full rebuild. Ongoing repairs, patching, and maintenance are not cost effective. Rebuilding the road from the ground up means we have a new pavement that is stronger, safer, and smoother.”

“A road rebuild can last up to 25 years. making this investment now gives the community a more resilient highway and reduces the need for repeated repairs and disruption in the future,” Mr Mundell says.

Traffic and detours - State Highway 2 will be closed to northbound traffic between Brooklyn Road and Howard Street around the clock while the rebuild is underway.

Light vehicles can detour via a signposted detour on Brooklyn Road, Lincoln Road, and Pembroke Street. Heavy vehicles must use Brooklyn Road, Lincoln Road, and Belvedere Road (see map below). This detour will add about 1.7 kilometres, or around two minutes, to journeys in normal conditions.

The highway will remain open to southbound traffic at all times. However, temporary traffic management and reduced speed limits will be in place. 

Mr Mundell understands the work will be disruptive for affected residents and road users.

We appreciate it may cause frustration for some people. But this is a critical infrastructure investment that will result in a better road for the public. Please bear with us while our contractors complete this project.” 

And he is asking people to be ready for the project and the impact it will have. 

“Please allow extra time for your travel, follow all signs and temporary speed limits, and take extra care around local streets and rail crossings. Slowing down helps protect road users, residents, and our crews,” Mr Mundell says.