Thursday, 30 November 2023
Please enter a minimum of 2 characters for your search query
Levin
NZ HeraldThe Northern AdvocateThe Northland AgeThe AucklanderWaikato HeraldBay Of Plenty TimesRotorua Daily PostHawke's Bay TodayWhanganui ChronicleThe Stratford PressManawatu GuardianKapiti NewsHorowhenua ChronicleTe Awamutu CourierVivaEat WellOneRoofDRIVEN Car GuideThe CountryPhoto SalesiHeart RadioRestaurant Hub
Voyager 2023 media awards
Subscribe

Advertisement

Advertise with NZME.
Home / Horowhenua Chronicle

The end of all speculation as assurances given: Ō2NL is happening

Janine Baalbergen
By
Janine Baalbergen
19 May, 2023 12:33 AM4 mins to read
Saveshare

Share this article

facebookcopy linktwitterlinkedinredditemail
The Horowhenua extension to the Kāpiti expressway should be built by the end of the decade, Transport Minister Michael Wood has confirmed.

The Horowhenua extension to the Kāpiti expressway should be built by the end of the decade, Transport Minister Michael Wood has confirmed.

It’s over – the speculation about a yes, no or even a maybe for the Horowhenua expressway, that is. And the Government’s commitment to the road has delighted locals, the council and Build Our Road campaigners.

“There has been much conjecture and uncertainty with the project over a number of years now, so to finally hear and read the minister’s commitment to the project is extremely encouraging,“ Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden said.

The council has received assurances from Transport Minister Michael Wood that the Government is committed to the Ōtaki to North Levin highway (Ō2NL), though it is accepted that the planned budget of $1.5 billion will not be enough.

Build Our Road campaign spokesperson Antony Youn said: ”This community has experienced a bit of a roller coaster when it comes to the precise status of Ō2NL. But we are of course excited with this confirmation.

Advertisement

Advertise with NZME.

“The possibilities are endless for our district as we plan and prepare for this major piece of infrastructure and to secure a more robust, efficient and safer passageway. It can’t come soon enough.”

Wanden said: “While we are still waiting to receive the official green light from Government to proceed with Ō2NL, this is a significant milestone for our district, and we’re excited to be moving forward with this vital infrastructure project.

Build Our Road logo in support of the campaign for Ō2NL
Build Our Road logo in support of the campaign for Ō2NL

“We know that the new highway will provide a safer and more efficient transport route for all road users and be transformational in supporting economic growth and development, not only in our district but across the wider region.

“Along with the recent Capital Connection rail announcement, this investment in the region will have significant benefits for all.”

Advertisement

Advertise with NZME.

Wanden said that, although there was as yet no official paperwork confirming Wood’s decision, “we have the commitment to go ahead with the expressway in writing”.

The project includes the construction of a four-lane expressway with a range of safety features, including median barriers, wider shoulders and new intersections. Approximately 21 kilometres of the total 24km is proposed to be built within the Horowhenua district.

“We would like to thank the Government for their support and for recognising the importance of this project for our community,” Wanden said.

No more heavy traffic through Levin once the Horowhenua Expressway has been completed, at the end of 2029.
No more heavy traffic through Levin once the Horowhenua Expressway has been completed, at the end of 2029.

“We would also like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Waka Kotahi, council staff across the rohe, contractors, technical experts, our partners Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and Ngāti Raukawa and other stakeholders to get it to this stage.”

Construction of Ō2NL and the shared walking and cycling path is expected to begin in 2025 and is scheduled to be completed by 2029.

“We will work closely with the community and stakeholders during this time to minimise disruption and ensure everyone is informed of progress,” Wanden said.

“This announcement brings us a step closer to safer, easier and faster travel between Levin and the capital. We look forward to delivering this vital project to our community and the benefits it will bring for years.”

Ō2NL is a Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency project.

The existing state highway network through Horowhenua has some of New Zealand’s most dangerous roads, with 49 deaths and serious injuries in the five years to 2017.

The aim of developing the expressway is to:

Advertisement

Advertise with NZME.

· improve road safety

· accommodate population growth – by 2040, more than 130,548 people will live in Horowhenua and Kāpiti

· accommodate expected future traffic volumes

· improve the resilience of the transport network connecting Ōtaki and Levin

· improve regional connectivity by strengthening the strategic economic link from Wellington through to the central North Island.

The community is invited to visit the Ō2NL Levin project office on Thursday, June 1, from noon to 6pm to learn more about the highway.

Advertisement

Advertise with NZME.
Saveshare

Share this article

facebookcopy linktwitterlinkedinredditemail

Advertisement

Advertise with NZME.

Latest from Horowhenua Chronicle

Horowhenua Chronicle

Police frantically search for owner of upturned kayak found floating off Raumati Beach

30 Nov 01:53 AM
Horowhenua Chronicle

Foxton house fire: Four women, one man arrested over gang member's death

30 Nov 01:18 AM
Horowhenua Chronicle

Horowhenua-Kāpiti soundly beaten by Manawatū

28 Nov 09:49 PM
Horowhenua Chronicle

Community raises $130,000 for Palmerston North Children’s Emergency Department

28 Nov 09:28 PM

Top toys of 2023 for kids & ‘kidults’

sponsored

Advertisement

Advertise with NZME.

Latest from Horowhenua Chronicle

Police frantically search for owner of upturned kayak found floating off Raumati Beach

Police frantically search for owner of upturned kayak found floating off Raumati Beach

30 Nov 01:53 AM

Police are asking members of the public for information.

Foxton house fire: Four women, one man arrested over gang member's death

Foxton house fire: Four women, one man arrested over gang member's death

30 Nov 01:18 AM
Horowhenua-Kāpiti soundly beaten by Manawatū

Horowhenua-Kāpiti soundly beaten by Manawatū

28 Nov 09:49 PM
Community raises $130,000 for Palmerston North Children’s Emergency Department

Community raises $130,000 for Palmerston North Children’s Emergency Department

28 Nov 09:28 PM
Toy trends for Christmas
sponsored

Toy trends for Christmas

About UsHelp & SupportContact UsHouse RulesHorowhenua Chronicle E-Edition
Advertise with NZMEPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseCompetition Terms & ConditionsSubscriptions Terms & Conditions
© Copyright 2023 NZME Publishing Limited
TOP