NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging road users and residents to be ready for a series of planned works on State Highway 2 in Lower Hutt over the coming month. This work is part of the SH2 Melling Transport Improvements project, which is delivering a new grade-separated interchange and bridge over the Hutt River. Details below. 

Night-time road closure, Kennedy Good Bridge to Melling Link Bridge

From Sunday 6 to Thursday 10 September, between 9pm and 4am, there are night-time works on the highway to located underground services, clean stormwater catch pits, and remove a temporary safety barrier near Melling Link Bridge.

During this time, the highway will be closed to southbound traffic from Kennedy Good Bridge to Melling Link Bridge. Detour via local roads. 

Northbound traffic is not affected. Access to Harbour View Road will remain.

Closed section of SH2 between Melling Link and Kennedy Good Bridge for southbound traffic in red. Southbound detour via Harcourt Werry Drive and Connolly Street in green. Heavy vehicle southbound detour via High Street in blue.

Day works underway in Melling rail corridor - From Monday 7 Sept 2026 through to March 2027, between 7.30am to 6pm, planned works are happening in the rail corridor between the Normandale Road overbridge and Melling Link intersection.

This work includes the creation of haul roads and piling work for future retaining walls.

Night-time southbound lane closures, Melling Link intersection to north of the Normandale Rd overbridge

Later in September, there are night-time southbound lane closures on the highway for the relocation of services. This work will happen over a total of 15 nights across the following dates:

Sunday 13 to Thursday 17 September, 7pm–5am

Sunday 20 to Thursday 24 September, 7pm–5am

Sunday 27 September to Thursday 1 October, 7pm–5am

The southbound lane will be reduced to one lane overnight between the Melling Link intersection and the Normandale Rd overbridge. The shoulder will be swept after each shift. 

This work will involve the use of larger machinery, with the noisiest activities expected to be completed before midnight. The noisiest work is expected to be on the first night (Sunday 13 September) from 8pm to midnight. Workers will be monitoring activities to ensure they comply with all relevant conditions and minimise disruption wherever possible. 

NZTA acknowledges the disruption caused by these activities may be frustrating and inconvenient for the public, but unfortunately some disruption is inevitable.