Section of SH2 at Wharerātās to close for resurfacing

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Roading crews will be resurfacing a stretch of State Highway 2 along the Wharerātās south of Gisborne next month.

The highway between Maraetaha and Wharekakaho roads will close most nights from December 7-19 to allow crews to safely resurface the road as efficiently as possible.

The stretch will close each night at 8pm and reopen at 5am each day in time for early commuter traffic to pass through.

The road will be open overnight Sunday, December 10, until Monday, December 11, and Sunday, December 17, until Monday, December 18, to allow rest days for crews.

The overnight work is weather dependent and Waka Kotahi advises all road users to regularly check its interactive Journey Planner for up-to-date, daily information.

If the wet weather delays work at any stage, the road will be open that night.

Waka Kotahi Hawke’s Bay/Tairāwhiti system manager Martin Colditz said the overnight closures would allow teams to do the resurfacing far more quickly and safely than they would otherwise be able to under alternative traffic management.

“An overnight closure is needed for the work to ensure the safety of workers using the asphalt plant as this stretch of road is narrow and windy.

“We know how crucial this stretch of SH2 is for the community and next month’s work comes soon after the asphalting work on SH2 north of Gisborne.

“It’s important we get this work done in the warmer months, while the asphalt equipment is available, to ensure the longevity of the road.

“We’ve had really positive feedback on the new surfacing near Traffords Hill on SH2, with road users telling us the new asphalt gives them a much smoother ride, providing more grip in the wetter weather.

“We’re confident next month’s work will give road users at Wharerātā the same experience, and we want to thank all road users for their understanding.”