Remutaka Road Action Group
A new modern highway connecting the Wairarapa with Wellington and the World
Mt Messenger Comparison
The Remutaka Hill Road is busier and has more crashes than the steep, narrow, winding Mount Messenger section of State Highway 3 in Taranaki.
And yet, the Government has chosen to build a 6 kilometre bypass around Mount Messenger, while they ignore the riskier Remutaka Hill Road.
Here’s a comparison between these roads:
| Statistic | Remutaka Hill Rd (SH2) | Mt Messenger (SH3) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serious Injury Accidents (2014 – 2023) | 29 | 6 | |
| Fatal Accidents (2014 – 2023) | 5 | 0 | |
| Planned Closures (Sep 2021 to Aug 2024) | 89 | 8 | |
| Unplanned Closures (Jan 2020 to May 2024) | 34 | 25 | |
| Average driving speed | 46/KPH | 56/KPH | |
| Maximum Grade (height gained per 100 metres travel) | 31 metres (31%) | 12 metres (12%) | |
| Average Vehicles per Day | 7,648 | 2,461 | |
| Average Heavy Vehicles per Day | 473 | 472 | |
| Maximum Daily Vehicles (past 12 months) | 12,730 | 4,950 | |
| Star Rating | 2 | 2 | |
| Length of detour when road closed | 213 KM (via Palmerston North) | 92 KM |
Flyover Simulation of proposed Mt Messenger Bypass.
We believe this type of upgrade is essential for the Remtuaka Hill Road
© Remutaka Road Action Group