Agency happy with O¯ 2NL move

The O¯ taki to North of Levin new highway project is going ahead as planned, said Waka Kotahi in its latest newsletter.

“Waka Kotahi welcomes the Government’s confirmation on the direction and funding commitment to deliver the NZ Upgrade Programme. It means Waka Kotahi will now be able to fully deliver 16 significant projects across the country that have confirmed scopes, costs and timeframes and are designed to respond better to climate change and housing needs.

“Communities can look forward to transport improvements that provide more travel choices and help people get where they’re going safely, as well as future proofing and growing our economy, while responding to the impacts of travel on the environment.

“The O¯ taki to North of Levin new highway is one of the projects given certainty by this funding commitment. The new highway will dramatically improve safety, improve resilience and provide better access to walking and cycling facilities for those moving around or through the Horowhenua District and lower North Island.

“In the last 10 years, there have been more than 100 deaths and serious injuries along the route, making it one of the country’s most dangerous sections of road to drive. The new highway will also provide a much needed alternative route and build resilience into the state highway network for when SH1 is closed by crashes or weather-related events.

“Work on the project has been ongoing and we are currently in the investigation phase. We are looking at factors such as road elevation and key structures, as well as environmental and social effects such as possible noise or visual impacts, and considering how these can be avoided, minimised or mitigated. We still expect to apply for resource consent in 2022.”