Old SH1 Peka Peka to Ōtaki speed limit consultation

Connecting communities

31 October 2025

Riverbank intersection traffic lights

The traffic lights at Riverbank Road intersection will be going live soon.

Priority will still be given to traffic travelling along old SH1. Like most intersections in New Zealand, the Riverbank intersection will have detector loops in the road. That means it will know when a road user has pulled up at the intersection. When there’s no traffic, the traffic lights will remain green for the Main Highway until someone stops at the lights on Riverbank Road.

This intersection has seen a lot of crashes and near misses over the years. These traffic lights will make it easier for traffic using Riverbank Road, including quarry trucks, to turn onto the Main Highway and help reduce the chances of more of these crashes.

Old SH1 speed limit consultation now open

Consultation on proposed new speed limits for sections of old SH1 in Te Horo and Ōtaki close on Monday 3 November. If you’re a local or regular user of this road, we want to hear from you.

Now that Kāpiti Expressway is open, this section of road is no longer required to function as a state highway. We’re currently making improvements to make sure it’s fit-for-purpose as a local road and more suitable for community use rather than prioritising through traffic. And along with that, we want to make sure the speed limits match this use.

We're also consulting on short sections of the on and off ramps north of Ōtaki, with the proposed new speed limits reflecting the speed limits of the tie-in roads they join.

You can find out more information and provide your consultation feedback by visiting www.nzta.govt.nz/oldsh1speed.

Summer works shutdown

Ōtaki is always a hive of activity over the summer period. So you'll be pleased to know that you'll see a lot less of our crews in the Ōtaki business precinct during that busy time.

From the first week of December 2025 until the first week of February 2026 construction will be on hold through the Ōtaki business precinct. Aside from limited night works and any essential work that may be required, the work sites will all be tidied up and packed down as much as possible over that time. The limited night works won't affect parking.

Like everyone, our crews are looking forward to spending quality time with their families over that summer period. They'll then come back from early February to finish off the corridor improvements in the new year.

Due to the nature of the work, including upgrading footpaths, kerbs, gutters, vehicle crossings, and the road surface, there will be some short-term disruption for the community. However, we’re doing as much as we can to minimise the impact of these works.

Some of this work will require traffic management to help create safety areas to keep workers and the public safe while work is underway. While this traffic management may impact a small number of parking spaces on Main Highway during works, there’s usually plenty of other available parking nearby.

If you’re struggling to find somewhere to park on the old State Highway, don’t forget about the parking area by Ōtaki Railway Station. There are usually plenty of free parking spaces available and it’s only a short (70-100 metre) walk from the centre of town.