NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has signed interim alliance agreements with two design and construction teams to develop and build the new Ōtaki to north of Levin Road of National Significance expressway.

“The Government’s priority for transport investment is to support economic growth and productivity with infrastructure that allows people and freight to move quickly and safely,” said Transport Minister Simeon Brown.

“Otaki to north of Levin is a priority and given the resilience and safety challenges on the current stretch of State Highway 1, it’s great to have the two alliance teams come onboard to move this project forward,” he said

The alliance teams will each deliver a section of the 24km four-lane Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway and associated works, with Downer, McConnell Dowell, Beca and Tonkin+Taylor focused south of the Ohau River, and Fulton Hogan, HEB, WSP and Aurecon focused to the north.

Ōtaki to north of Levin is a crucial part of the Wellington northern corridor started by the previous National Government in 2013. It builds on the success of Transmission Gully, and the Mackays to Peka Peka and Peka Peka to Ōtaki Roads of National Significance.

“I know how important this Road of National Significance will be to the people in the Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua areas,” said Brown.

According to Brown, once completed, the Ōtaki to north of Levin Expressway will improve journey times for those travelling within and though Kāpiti and Horowhenua, with up to 15-minute travel time savings for trips from Ōtaki to north of Levin, and six minutes for trips from Ōtaki to Levin.

“Building the Roads of National Significance signals our focus on prioritising investments that deliver real value to commuters and businesses, ensuring our cities and regions are well-connected and our economy thrives,” he said.

Construction of the new highway is anticipated to begin in late 2025 and be completed in 2029.