Major Highway Project from Ōtaki to Levin Set to Begin, Promises Big Gains

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed that the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has secured agreements with two major alliances to begin full construction of the 24-kilometre highway this spring.

The long-anticipated construction of the Ōtaki to north of Levin highway—a pivotal piece in the Wellington Northern Corridor—is officially underway, with contracts signed and ground preparation already progressing. Transport Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed that the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has secured agreements with two major alliances to begin full construction of the 24-kilometre highway this spring.

This strategic infrastructure development is poised to deliver a wide range of benefits, from improved safety and travel times to unlocking housing development potential and boosting regional economic productivity.

"The Government is committed to delivering safe new roading infrastructure that helps boost economic growth and productivity, improves resilience, reduces travel times, and supports much-needed housing," Minister Bishop stated.

A Divided but Collaborative Construction Approach

The project has been split into two main construction zones, each assigned to a different alliance of contractors and engineers:

• Southern Section (south of Ōhau River): Delivered by an alliance of Downer, McConnell Dowell, Beca, and Tonkin + Taylor

• Northern Section (north of Ōhau River): Led by a team from Fulton Hogan, HEB Construction, WSP, and Aurecon

Both teams will collaborate across the full project to ensure seamless integration and construction efficiency. Early site work is already underway, including fencing, site clearance, demolition, and environmental controls, with the central site office on Tararua Road now fully operational.

Travel Time Reductions and Congestion Relief

The project promises transformational time savings for daily commuters and freight carriers alike:

• Up to 15 minutes saved on trips from Ōtaki to north of Levin

• Approximately 6 minutes saved on journeys between Ōtaki and Levin

The existing Kāpiti Highway currently handles up to 19,500 vehicle movements per day, often experiencing congestion and safety challenges. The new highway is expected to alleviate traffic pressure, particularly for heavy freight vehicles, by diverting them away from urban centres and sensitive local roads.

A Key Milestone in the Wellington Northern Corridor

The Ōtaki to north of Levin project marks one of the final stages of the Wellington Northern Corridor, a broader roading initiative first launched by the National Government in 2013. The corridor is a high-priority transport route aimed at improving road connectivity between Wellington and the lower North Island, enhancing economic integration between the Kāpiti Coast, Horowhenua, and beyond.

Once completed, the new road will:

• Enhance road safety by reducing interactions between local and through traffic

• Improve regional freight efficiency with better travel reliability

• Encourage urban development by providing infrastructure certainty

• Support the housing growth forecasted for the Horowhenua and Kāpiti districts

Economic and Community Benefits

Beyond travel time and safety, the project will deliver broader community benefits. During construction, the project is expected to generate local employment opportunities across a wide range of disciplines, from construction to engineering and environmental management.

It will also enable better regional resilience, offering a reliable north-south transport link less vulnerable to disruption from weather events or congestion choke points.

"Its completion will improve safety by shifting heavy traffic out of local town centres, making regional freight trips more efficient and making it easier for locals to get around," said Mr Bishop. "It will also unlock new opportunities for housing and urban development."

Project Timeline and Community Engagement

Full-scale construction is expected to begin this spring, with completion and road opening scheduled before the end of 2029. In the meantime, NZTA and the contractor alliances are working closely with local communities, iwi, and stakeholders to manage construction impacts and ensure transparency.

Minister Bishop acknowledged the patience of the communities affected by the delay in getting the project to this stage:

"I appreciate the patience of local communities, road users, and freight operators while we took the necessary time to get this project across the line."

He also noted his intention to attend the ceremonial groundbreaking event in the coming months to mark the official start of construction.