The NZ Transport Agency is encouraging the public to share their views about the proposed upgrades to State Highways 1 and 57 between Ōtaki and north of Levin, aimed at making it safer and easier to get around.
NZTA Wellington state highways manager Rod James says the NZTA is hosting information days to share the proposals with the local community, and is encouraging locals to share their views to help it develop the plans further.
Mr James says the improvements will help to make it easier and safer to get around between Ōtaki and North of Levin, and will have benefits for all road users whether they’re local residents, tourists, or farmers getting their goods to market.
“We want to hear from the community so that we can get the best overall result for people. We’re holding public information days at three different locations during the first week of May, so you can pop in at your convenience to have a look at the proposed improvements, chat to our project team and tell us what you think.
“The plans are about making improvements to the safety and efficiency of SH1 and SH57 along the Wellington Northern Corridor. This upgrade will provide the biggest single investment this highway network has seen since it was built, and will help to make travel safer and trips shorter. “
Mr James says the NZTA plans to do this by splitting the section into smaller packages of work, and working through them in stages. The proposals are the first step to eventually creating a four lane highway along this stretch of road.
Information days will be held in early May at the following locations:
Proposed improvements include installing more passing lanes on SH1, widening the road edges, installing median barriers, replacing old and narrow bridges, changing intersection layouts and improving walking and cycling facilities at seven key locations, including:
Mr James says that SH1 between Ōtaki and north of Levin is a strategically important section of highway with high freight volumes, and it acts as a vital connection for the Capital, both between Palmerston North and SH1 further north.
“The Ōtaki to north of Levin section is more than just a highway – it’s a hub. It has the crucial job of linking the lower North Island with the north, east and west, particularly for our freight and agriculture industries. By making this hub perform better, we can help to support economic growth and productivity throughout the Manawatū/Wanganui and Wellington regions, and further beyond.”
The Ōtaki to north of Levin project is a section of the Wellington Northern Corridor, which is one of seven roads of national significance identified by the Government as an essential upgrade to reduce traffic congestion, improve safety and support economic growth in New Zealand.
More information can be found on the Ōtaki to North of Levin project website at www.nzta.govt.nz/o2nl or by calling the freephone number, 0508 O2L INFO (0508 625 4636).
