The project will widen the State Highway 1 (SH1) into two lanes in each direction for 24 kilometres between Taylors Road, Ōtaki and Koputaroa, north of Levin. The new road will be built to the east of the current alignment.
The project will include shared paths for walking and cycling and will link with existing path networks as part of the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway and Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway
The NZ Government is investigating options to toll the upgraded highway.
Key Dates
| 2023 | Contract Award |
| 2025 | Expected Construction Commencement |
| 2029 | Expected Construction Completion |
Funding contributions
| NZ Government |
Procurement
| Procuring Agency: | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency |
| Successful Tenderer: | Alliance for southern section: Downer, McConnell Dowell, Beca and Tonkin+Taylor Alliance for northern section: Fulton Hogan, HEB, WSP and Aurecon |
| Procurement note: | The project is being procured for a two-alliance approach. The alliances are expected to be finalised through the signing of interim alliance agreements by May 2024. The scope of works to be allocated to each alliance is yet to be announced. |
PROJECT HISTORY
| Dec 2018 | The projects preferred corridor was selected. |
| Aug 2020 | A draft preferred alignment was identified. |
| Mar 2021 | Waka Kotahi released an updated version of its draft alignment. |
| Jun 2021 | Following a re-evaluation of the New Zealand Upgrade Program, the estimated total cost of the project increased from NZ$817 million to NZ$1.5 billion. |
| Nov 2022 | Waka Kotahi submitted the Notice of Requirement for the project to the Horizons and Greater Wellington Regional Councils, and Horowhenua and Kāpiti Coast District Councils, outlining the key environmental approvals required for the project to be built. |
| Dec 2023 | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi announced preferred tenderers for the project. Two consortia comprised of Downer, McConnell Dowell, Beca and Tonkin+Taylor; and Fulton Hogan, HEB, WSP and Aurecon were named as the preferred partners for the two-Alliance approach intended to deliver the project. |
| Jun 2024 | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency signed 'interim Alliance agreements' with two teams to design and construct the new 24-kilometre, four-lane expressway. An Alliance of Downer, McConnell Dowell, Beca and Tonkin+Taylor will progress the project south of the Ohau River, while an Alliance of Fulton Hogan, HEB, WSP and Aurecon will develop the northern section of the project. |
| Aug 2024 | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi commenced public consultation on proposed tolling schemes for the highway, and will consider feedback in its recommendation on the tolling proposals to the Minister for Transport. The public consultation period closes on 7 October. |
Estimated Total Cost
(2021)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Alliance |
Location
New Zealand |
Resources
Media releases
2020/08/25 - Draft preferred alignment2021/03/26 - Adjustments to draft preferred alignment
2018/12/12 - Preferred corridor announced
2022/11/02 - Lodgment of Notices of Requirement
2023/12/18 - Preferred alliane partners
2024/06/18 - Interim Alliance agreements signed
2024/08/31 - Tolling proposal
