Ōtaki to north of Levin update – July 2023

Waka Kotahi, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga are working together to create a positive legacy for the region while we build a new, safer and more reliable State Highway 1 from Ōtaki to north of Levin.

SH1 Ōtaki to Ohau safety improvement project is progressing, with the first stretch of median barriers being installed this week. We also have an update on the next step in the RMA approvals process for the Ōtaki to north of Levin new highway and invite you to catch-up with the team at our next project office open day.

Ōtaki to north of Levin new highway and shared user path proposed alignment.

Ōtaki to north of Levin new highway and shared user path update

Late last year, Waka Kotahi lodged Notices of Requirement and applications for resource consents for the new highway with Horizons and Greater Wellington Regional Councils and Horowhenua and Kāpiti Coast District Councils. These applications reflect the key environmental approvals required for the project.

In the lead up to the Environment Court hearing, which will be held in October this year, we are continuing to work alongside Councils and submitters.

At the beginning of July, the Ō2NL project filed evidence with the Environment Court. The evidence, along with the RMA applications, can be viewed on the Environment Court website.

Wire-rope median barriers are being installed this week between Taylors Road and the southern turnaround.

Ōtaki to Ohau safety improvements construction update

Construction of the Ōtaki to Ohau safety improvements continue to progress, with the first phase of works between Ōtaki and Manakau. This work includes three turnaround bays and stretches of median and side barriers.

The southern turnaround at the bottom of Forest Lakes Hill is now open and work on the Pukehou Rail Overbridge turnaround and Gleeson Road turnaround is underway. Side barriers have also been installed south of the southern turnaround.

Contractor Downer have been on site overnight this week, installing median barriers between Taylors Road and the southern turnaround. Weather permitting, this section of road safety barriers will be complete next week.

While work is progressing between Ōtaki and Manakau, we are undergoing further design investigations for the next phase of safety improvement works between Manakau and Ohau. We will continue to keep you updated on this work.

Between 2018 and 2023, 13 people were killed and 38 seriously injured in crashes between north of Ōtaki and south of Levin, making it one of New Zealand’s most dangerous sections of road to drive. The safety infrastructure improvements on this section of road are underpinned by the Safe System approach, which recognises people make mistakes, but these mistakes do not need to cost us our lives.

You can read more about these safety improvements on our website: www.nzta.govt.nz/sh1-otaki-to-ohau.

Levin project office at 171 Oxford Street, Levin

Ōtaki to north of Levin project office open day – Thursday 3 August

The Ōtaki to north of Levin project team is hosting a project office open day on Thursday 3 August for those who want to know more about the new highway, shared user path and safety improvement projects in the area.

Please join the team:

Thursday 3 August, 1pm – 6pm
171 Oxford Street, Levin.

We’ll have members of the team on hand to answer your questions about the new highway, what it’ll mean for moving around the area, and what it’ll be like to have the new highway in your neighbourhood.

If you have questions between events, you can email us at O2NL@nzta.govt.nz or phone 0508 625 4636.

Waitarere Road intersection

Levin to Foxton safety improvements drop-in session

A big thank you to everyone who came along to the community drop-in session at the Poroutawhao Hall on Sunday.

If you couldn’t make it but have questions about the project, please email us at O2NL@nzta.govt.nz or phone 0508 625 4636.

More information about the project is available on our website: www.nzta.govt.nz/levin-to-foxton

More information

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/o2nl to find out about our work in the corridor or check out:

• www.nzta.govt.nz/o2nl-proposed-new-highway for information on the new highway, or
• www.nzta.govt.nz/o2nl-safe-speeds, to find out more about speed, or
• www.nzta.govt.nz/o2nl-safer-roads-and-roadsides to find out more about the work to make our existing roads and roadsides safer.

Our email newsletters will let you know when there is new information on our website.

Do you know people who want to know more? They can subscribe here.

For more information on the Ōtaki to north of Levin programme, contact us at O2NL@nzta.govt.nz or call 0508 625 4636.