A stretch of State Highway 2 at Esk River bridges will be closing this Sunday night for essential maintenance work.

Poor weather on Sunday 11 October meant roadworkers were unable to complete all of the planned bridge maintenance work on the Esk River bridges during the closure on State Highway 2 (SH2) in Whirinaki.

An additional closure is required and roadworkers will now utilise the previously advertised contingency date - this Sunday (18 October).

The road will be closed from 8pm Sunday till 4am Monday.

SH2 will be closed in both directions from just north of the SH5 Napier–Taupō turnoff and North Shore Road, Whirinaki.

There is no viable detour. Emergency vehicles will be assisted through the closure if required. SH5 Napier–Taupō will remain open.

During the closure, there will be access on Sunday night between 11.30pm and 12 midnight for residents and for those wishing to travel to and from Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival events.

During the closures, crews will complete the road surface renewal of the bridge approaches.

We recommend allowing additional time for passing through the worksite during this time.

We know another closure will be disruptive and appreciate everyone’s patience. 

Plan for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• Journey Planner
• Facebook
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

13 October 2026

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