Ōtaki to north of Levin project update – August 2022

We’re working to build a new highway for regional and through traffic by the end of the decade, as we focus on making travel from Ōtaki to north of Levin safer and more resilient, as well as increasing transport choices and supporting economic growth in the region.

Over the winter months, the project team has had many worthwhile conversations with the community about the new highway and the upcoming safety improvements. We’d like to give everyone another chance to catch-up at our project office this month. We also have an update on the Queen Street East new highway reconnection, and what’s happening on your state highways.

Ōtaki to north of Levin project office in Levin.

Ō2NL project office open day next week

If you missed the opportunity to catch up at our recent drop-in sessions, call in at our project office open day. 

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.

Ō2NL Project Office - 171 Oxford Street, Levin
Thursday 25 August
11am-7pm

Indicative visualisation of preferred option for Queen Street East reconnection

Queen Street East reconnection

During our April-May community engagement, we shared two options for reconnecting Queen Street East across the new highway. Of the feedback we received nearly 30 people noted support for one of the options or concerns with another, with a similar number of people favouring each option.

Following consideration, additional transport and engineering investigations were undertaken to assess in more detail how traffic would move, road gradients and curves, and construction costs. A design workshop was also convened to identify desirable outcomes and how they could be delivered, taking into consideration the matters identified during consultation, which included potential noise, light, visual and cultural matters.

The outcome of this process is to continue investigating Option B (shown above) as the preferred option, on the basis that it provides a better fit with the transport network and with growth plans of the Council. This option can also be designed in a way that protects views along Queen Street East between Punahau / Lake Horowhenua and the Tararua Range. This option also represents an efficient use of resource. The option can be designed to cater for both requirements of current and future housing development, provide a new walking and cycling facility that complements and enhances current and planned networks, and links ecological planting proposed by the Ō2NL Project with Queen Street East.

Cars using the SH57 roundabout on 16 August – the day before the roundabout became fully functional and the northbound lane opened.

SH57 roundabout now open in both directions

Thank you for your patience through various traffic layouts as work on the SH57 / Queen St East roundabout has progressed. 

The roundabout is now fully operational, after the northbound lane opened during the afternoon of 17 August. This was previously delayed by significant rainfall. The final surfacing work on the roundabout will be undertaken in the spring.

Due to the weather forecast, the concreting of the footpath has been postponed and will now take place without further lane closures when the weather allows.

Kimberley Rd southbound detour: Sunday 21 August

Subject to fine weather, Kimberley Road will be closed to southbound traffic from 7am to 6pm on Sunday 21 August 2022, to enable side barriers to be installed at the railway end of the road.

During this one-day closure, northbound traffic can continue to use Kimberley Road. Southbound traffic will be directed to detour via Queen Street East or Tararua Road. Residents will be able to access their homes.

Engagement on Levin to Foxton safety improvements

During June and early July, we held community engagement events about the draft safety improvement plans for SH1 from Levin to Foxton. Feedback closed on 7 July. Our project team is continuing to work through the feedback received and we will provide an update on this later in the year.

Thanks to those who spoke with us at drop-in events at Waitarere Beach, Foxton, Poroutawhao, and Levin, and to those who took the time to provide feedback.

Detailed design on the safety improvements is expected to be completed in 2022 and, subject to funding, construction to start 2023.

SH1 Ōtaki to Levin safety improvements

Following confirmation of funding, the tender process is currently underway for construction of the safety improvements on SH1 between Ōtaki and Levin. This includes wide centrelines, side and median barriers and turnaround areas between Ōtaki and Ohau.

We expect construction work to begin later this year and will keep the community and local residents informed more details are confirmed.

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.