Wellington traffic: Peka Peka to Ōtaki motorway officially opened

Associate Transport Minister Kieran McAnulty and Kāpiti Coast District Council Mayor Janet Holborow cut the ribbon. Photo / Georgina Campbell

The ribbon has been cut to open the new Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway, ahead of a phased opening to traffic in time for Christmas.

The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi revealed a first glimpse of the new motorway north of Wellington in pictures this morning, and Associate Transport Minister Kieran McAnulty was there to officially open the $445 million road at a ceremony.

McAnulty said it was an incredible piece of infrastructure that would play a critical role in smooth and reliable transport through the region.

He thanked those who had worked to get the road open in time for Christmas, especially because of the delays they have faced due to Covid-19 and bad weather

Guests start to arrive for the ceremony. Photo / Georgina Campbell

The new expressway supported the Government’s road safety vision of an Aotearoa where no one was injured or killed on our roads, McAnulty said.

”It will be a safer route for people as they travel through the area and play a key part in making sure everyone reaches their destination.”

Contractors have been working down to the wire to finish the road in time for the holidays and could be seen still completing the finishing touches this morning.

The road will connect to the existing Mackays to Peka Peka motorway to the south, which had to be resealed just a few months after it was first opened, due to leaks.

McAnulty said the Transport Minister’s office had sought assurances from Waka Kotahi that the Peka Peka to Ōtaki stretch was up to scratch and ready to go.

“Keeping in mind that it’s opening for the busiest time of the year, so those assurances need to carry weight and they do but also I know they’ll be keeping an eye on things to make sure that what has happened elsewhere doesn’t happen here.”

National’s transport spokesman Simeon Brown said the road, along with Transmission Gully, was started under the last National government.

“National is proud this project is finished and we look forward to the completion of the final stage of the expressway from Ōtaki to North of Levin which was cancelled before being put back on the books by Labour, meaning it won’t be completed until the end of this decade on current timeframes.

“National is proud of the Roads of National Significance programme which has invested in safe, reliable and efficient connections around New Zealand.”

There are nine new bridges and two underpasses as part of the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway project. Photo / Waka Kotahi

Waka Kotahi infrastructure delivery regional manager Jetesh Bhula said the road will make journeys in and out of the capital more reliable.

“We know people will be excited to try the new road in time for the holidays, and we’re thrilled to be able to open it before Christmas.”

The phased opening will begin this evening and the road will be fully open by Friday, Bhula said.

“This means that different parts of the road will open in sequence to allow for things like barrier tensioning and final line marking to be carried out. The whole expressway won’t open all at once, and drivers should be prepared for lower speed limits and traffic management over this initial period.”

There will be temporarily reduced speed limits at each end of the expressway as it is connected to the existing network - contractors will return in the New Year to finish these sections, Bhula said.

The road has nine new bridges, including one that is 330m long, and two underpasses. Locally designed artwork has been etched into the sides of the bridges for drivers to see as they travel underneath.

Six new wetlands alongside the road will help absorb rain.

Bhula said people should still expect congestion during peak holiday traffic.

“Please enjoy the new road. Our contractors have worked long and hard to open it under some very challenging conditions, including bad weather and Covid-19 staff shortages, and delays in the delivery of materials.

“But be aware there may be a lot of other drivers wanting to experience it too. Expect heavy traffic, drive safely and make sure you get to your destination safely.”

The Peka Peka to Ōtaki road is about 13km long and is estimated to cost $445 million. Photo / Waka Kotahi

Fletcher Construction major projects general manager Mike Elliot also acknowledged the challenges the road has faced.

”The team has kept their head down and kept working through it.” He said more than 2.4 million hours of labour have gone into the project.

Ōtaki businesses hope more people will choose to stop off in the town now that state highway traffic has been removed.

Books & Co owner Jacqui Simpson said the new road will make a big difference.

“People know they can come out, get a park, cross the road, they can chat and linger and not have the noise and dirt and dust from the traffic.”

Black & Co and Sheepskin NZ owner Leon Kingi also felt the change will be positive for Ōtaki.

“The biggest problem at the moment is just trying to cross the road. It’s full of big trucks and traffic all day. It’s a constant stream.”

A group called Elevate Ōtaki was established to support businesses through the changes, and its chairman Adrian Gregory said the number of vacant shops should not be seen as an indication of the town’s demise.

He said outlet stores were often transient by nature.

“There’s a lot of vibrant and exciting things happening in the SH1 precinct and the empty shops provide an excellent opportunity for some savvy business owners,” he said.

A new shared path for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians will be ready to use in February or March next year once a signalised crossing at Marycrest has been completed.