Road to close at Trafford’s Hill for asphalting

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

Overnight closures on State Highway 2 at Trafford’s Hill, north of Gisborne, will be in place next week to complete asphalt resurfacing.

The stretch of SH2 between Matawai and the Waioeka Gorge will close at 7pm on Monday (August 7) and reopen at 5am the following morning (Tuesday August 8). The road will close again at 7pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, reopening at 5am the following morning, finishing at 5am on Friday ( August 11).

“While work on the Trafford’s Hill site has been delayed because of severe weather, crews have so far managed to complete 20,000 square metres of an estimated 80,000 square metres of asphalt resurfacing to complete on SH2 north and south,” Waka Kotahi Hawke’s Bay / Tairāwhiti System Manager Martin Colditz said.

A further week of night closures is planned from Monday, August 14. However, as work is weather dependent, road users are advised to check Journey Planner before travelling for the most up-to-date road information.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will also communicate further details ahead of the planned closures.

Roading crews will move south to Otoko and Waihuka once the Trafford’s Hill site is complete.

“This stretch of road is a crucial lifeline for the community — these closures enable us to strengthen this stretch of SH2 safely and efficiently, and we appreciate people’s patience and support while we do this,” Mr Colditz said.