Major Safety Upgrades Coming to SH2 Moonshine Hill Road Intersection

The New Zealand Government has announced significant safety improvements for one of Upper Hutt’s most dangerous intersections—State Highway 2 (SH2) at Moonshine Hill Road—a move welcomed by the local community and road safety advocates. The upgrade plan, spearheaded by Transport Minister Chris Bishop, includes the installation of traffic lights, new cyclist protections, and a proposed speed limit reduction.

“In the last five years, there have been 65 crashes at this intersection. One was fatal, and five caused serious injuries,” said Minister Bishop. “It’s clear we need to make this dangerous intersection safer.”

The upcoming works, scheduled to begin in October 2025, aim to drastically reduce crash rates by modernising the intersection's layout and better managing traffic flows in and out of Moonshine Hill Road, a key access point for residents of the Riverstone Terraces and surrounding areas.

Traffic Lights and Safety Features to Mirror Successful Whakatiki Layout

At the heart of the project is the installation of new traffic signals, a proven measure that will help prevent the high-speed and risky turning movements that have become commonplace at the intersection.

The upgrade will closely mirror the layout of the Whakatiki Street intersection, located to the north on SH2, which has demonstrated improved safety outcomes since its own signalisation. By replicating a successful design, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) aims to create a more predictable and controlled driving environment, reducing opportunities for conflict between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

In addition to traffic lights, the project includes:

• Enhanced signage and road markings

• Cyclist safety improvements, such as clearer lane demarcations

• Infrastructure to support potential future safety upgrades along SH2

Speed Limit Review: Public Consultation Opens August 1

Recognising that physical upgrades alone are not enough, NZTA will launch a public consultation from 1 August to 12 September 2025 to gather community input on a proposed speed limit reduction through the area. The proposal seeks to lower the current 100 km/h limit to 80 km/h between Moonshine Hill Road and the northern edge of Whakatiki Street.

This stretch includes a narrow, curved bridge, which contributes to the dangerous nature of the roadway and has prompted consistent calls from residents and local authorities for safety interventions.

“From 1 August, NZTA will be asking for the public’s views on this proposed change,” Bishop said. “Once consultation is complete and the potential impacts assessed, a formal recommendation will be made to the Director of Land Transport.”

Until a final decision is made, the current 100 km/h limit will remain in place. However, Bishop noted that the speed review is a critical part of the broader safety plan for this section of SH2.

Construction Timeline and Community Recognition

Construction work is slated to begin in October 2025, with the entire project expected to be completed by the end of the year, barring unforeseen delays.

Minister Bishop acknowledged the persistent advocacy of the local Upper Hutt community, particularly residents of Riverstone Terraces and Moonshine Hill Road, whose concerns have helped accelerate the project.

“I want to thank the local Hutt community for their advocacy,” he said. “Their voices have been heard, and this Government is acting to ensure our roads are safer for everyone.”

He also praised NZTA for bringing the project forward in their planning, allowing the safety measures to be implemented sooner than initially anticipated.

A Safer Future for a Busy Commuter Corridor

The SH2 corridor through Upper Hutt is a key arterial route, connecting the Hutt Valley with the Wairarapa and Wellington regions. With thousands of vehicles using the road daily—many during peak commuter hours—the Moonshine Hill Road intersection has long been viewed as a critical safety weak spot.

With both physical upgrades and behavioural interventions through speed management, the Government hopes to drastically cut the risk of crashes, saving lives and reducing pressure on emergency services and local healthcare facilities.

Minister Bishop concluded, “I look forward to seeing these upgrades completed and the positive impact they will have on the safety of all road users in this area.”