Ōtaki to north of Levin project update – October 2018
We are writing to update you on the re-evaluation process for the Ōtaki to north of Levin (O2NL) corridor. The work to align the project with the new priorities set out in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS) is now complete.
The Government has a new vision for our land transport system, focusing on safety, access, the environment and value for money. The Transport Agency supports the government priorities by investing in projects which improve walking, cycling and public transport facilities and provides transport choices.
The NZ Transport Agency has now agreed the general approach for future plans for the O2NL corridor. This prioritises the Government’s vision for a safer transport network free of death and injury, accessible and affordable transport, value for money and reduced emissions.
Outcome of re-evaluation
The plans include:
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Delivering short and medium term safety improvements
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Designating for a new route which will have allowance for four lanes in the future
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Working to enhance public transport options and improve amenity within Levin.
Selection of a preferred route for a new road will be completed this year. The corridor will be designated as soon as possible to provide greater certainty for the community. It is envisaged that the new state highway will be planned as a two-lane highway while allowing for additional capacity in the future by protecting a route suitable for four lanes. The construction timing and form of this new route will depend on growth and funding priorities across the rest of the country.
Safety improvements on the existing state highway from Ōtaki to Levin will also be progressed in the shorter term.
We will work with our Council partners and the Levin community to develop a programme to make the town centre a better place to live and move around. This will include sustainable land use, enhanced walking and cycling access and potentially delivering some sections of the new road earlier to manage heavy vehicles.
To provide greater choice for moving around locally and regionally, we will work with local and regional councils to investigate public transport enhancements which could include rail connections, park and ride facilities and bus service improvements.
Next steps
In December once the re-evaluations for all 12 corridors across the country are complete, we will consider in more detail the exact plans and timing for these projects including available funding. We will provide another update as soon as we can once that process has been completed.
We appreciate your patience while we have carried out this important work and recognise the frustration that uncertainty can bring. We have been working as quickly as we can to align with new government priorities and provide the best outcomes and value for money for future communities.
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