Ōtaki to north of Levin road construction contracts signed

Friday, 1 August 2025

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has signed construction contracts with two alliances to build the new Ōtaki to north of Levin, with work set to start in spring.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop welcomed the news about the road of national significance.

“The Government is committed to delivering safe new roading infrastructure that helps boost economic growth and productivity, improves resilience, reduces travel times, and supporting much needed housing.

“The 24km Ōtaki to north of Levin project is critical for Kāpiti and Horowhenua and is a step forward for these priorities.”

The existing Kāpiti highway had up to 19,500 vehicle movements a day.

“Once completed, those travelling on the new Ōtaki to north of Levin Highway will experience significantly improved journey times, 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.

“The two alliance teams will each deliver a section of the new highway and associated works, with Downer, McConnell Dowell, Beca and Tonkin+Taylor focused south of the Ōhau River, and Fulton Hogan, HEB, WSP and Aurecon focused to the north.”

Bishop said the road would improve safety by taking heavy traffic out of town centres, make moving freight more efficient and allow for new housing and urban development.

“We know how important this project is to the region, and I appreciate that patience of local communities, road users and freight operators while we took the necessary time to get this project across the line.

“Both alliances are co-operating across the project to ensure it is delivered smoothly and efficiently, and I look forward to being on site in the next few months to turn the first sod and kick off construction.”

The alliance teams were preparing to start construction, doing things such as fencing, demolition and building construction roads.

The site office on Tararua Rd is now complete.

The new road was expected to open to traffic before the end of 2029.