Daytime closures are planned on State Highway 2 (SH2) through the Karangahake Gorge, between Waihī and Paeroa. 

Rock-scaling is needed on cliffs above a section of the highway. A full closure is required because loose material may fall onto the road while crews are working.  

SH2 will be closed from 8:30am to 3:30pm each day during 2 work periods:  

Monday 24 to Friday 28 August

Monday 12 to Friday 16 October.  

The closure will cover a 500-metre section of SH2, beginning near the historic rail tunnel bridge and extending north. The work is weather dependent. Road users should plan to travel through the gorge outside the closure times, while inter-regional traffic should consider using SH29 over the Kaimai Range.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says the work will help keep this important regional route safe, reliable and resilient. 

“SH2 through Karangahake Gorge carries around 7,900 vehicles each day and is a key connection between Waikato, Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel,” says NZTA Waikato Area Manager, Asset and Operations, Andy Oakley.  

“The steep cliffs above the highway need to be inspected and loose or unstable rock removed before it can fall onto the road. 

“A full closure is the only safe way to do this work because rope-access technicians will be working directly above the highway and rocks may fall on to the road below. The closure hours have been chosen to reduce disruption on school traffic, commuters and freight while giving crews enough daylight to work safely.  

“We recognise the closures will be disruptive and appreciate road users’ patience. Confirming the new dates early gives people, businesses and freight operators time to plan their journeys.” 

Rock scaling involves trained rope-access technicians inspecting cliff faces and removing loose or unstable material using hand tools and specialist equipment.  

The August closure will focus mainly on inspections and identifying areas that need treatment, with some rock removal. The October closure will allow crews to remove unstable rock and complete any further work identified during the inspections. 

Emergency services and first responders will continue to have access through the closure area.  

The road-side section of the Hauraki Rail Trail’s Rail Tunnel Loop will be closed during the work. The walkway on the other side of the river will remain open. 

NZTA will also use the closures to complete other maintenance and resilience work where possible, reducing the need for further disruption. Subject to suitable weather and river levels, rock armouring work on the historic riverside retaining wall may also be completed during the October closure.  

People are encouraged to check the latest highway conditions before travelling.