Ōtaki Bridge shared path – structure scanning starts

Work to install a clip-on shared path across Ōtaki Bridge on old SH1 continues this November. Concrete scanning of the bridge piers is set to start following a successful trial scan in September.

The shared path clip-on, once installed, will give pedestrians and cyclists far greater safety and peace-of-mind when crossing Ōtaki River.

The concrete scanning creates a map of the internal structure of the bridge piers. This map helps us finalise the location for the clip-on, right down to the fine detail of the best locations for bolt holes.

As a truck is used on the bridge to perform these scans, single lane closures and stop/go traffic management with reduced speed limits will be in place for this work.

Surveying and scanning work will take place on weekdays, between the hours of 9am and 3pm starting on Tuesday 7 November. The bridge will operate as normal outside these times.

This work is weather dependent, but we hope to complete all the scanning by the first week of December. We’ll then return in the new year to install the clip-on bridge.

“While we understand this work will create some short delays for road users, we’re committed to improving safety for all pedestrians and cyclists,” says Jetesh Bhula – Regional Manager at Waka Kotahi.

“Crossing this bridge can be a nerve-racking experience on a bike, especially when cars are lining up behind you. By creating a shared path, we’re creating a safer and more enjoyable journey, not just for cyclists and pedestrians, but for motorists too”.

Temporary lane shift between Farmers' Market and bridge

Work to install footpath underway

Work has started on the southern section of the shared footpath running from the Ōtaki Farmers' Market site to the Ōtaki Bridge. This work will involve earth works, tree trimming, and the installation of the footpath over the coming weeks.

We've installed a lane shift in this section, moving both lanes of traffic west. This change is only for the duration of these works, and is to give crews space to complete the work as safely and quickly as possible. It is weather dependent but we hope to have this finished prior to Christmas.

Chipsealing and layout changes in Te Horo

Chipsealing work is starting in Te Horo next week. This work will also involve making changes to the road’s layout. This comes ahead of the PP2Ō corridor improvements project, with construction set to begin in 2024, where we prepare the old State Highway to be handed over to the local council. As part of this layout change, we’ll be removing the northbound passing lane in Te Horo and installing cycle markings in the shoulders of this section of road.

A proposal to remove this passing lane was part of the public engagement in 2019 and 2021 where we presented early designs for corridor improvements in Te Horo and Ōtaki. Following this public engagement and discussions with Kāpiti Coast District Council, who will be taking over responsibility for the road, the proposal was confirmed.

Since the Expressway opened, the way this section of road is used has changed. It now only sees around 10% of the traffic it previously did. With this change, along with the installation of markings for cycling, a passing lane is no longer necessary or appropriate for this road.

More information

For more information on the SH1 Peka Peka to Ōtaki project, contact us at PP2Orevocation@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/pp2o-revocation