The NZ Transport Agency is set to begin the first stage of work on the Peka Peka to Otaki Expressway, part of the Wellington Northern Corridor road of national significance.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has awarded two contracts for the development stage of the 13km section of highway. Both contracts have been awarded to Opus International. The Scheme Assessment and Engineering Services contract is worth $1.9m, and the Environmental Management, Planning and Consultation contract is worth $1.6m.
NZTA Wellington State Highway Manager, Rob Whight, said awarding the contracts was an important step to provide certainty to the local community about the proposed route.
“The work that will be started immediately will include a detailed investigation and assessment of geotechnical, environmental, social, and economic effects. This will lead to the development of design options for interchanges and other features along the preferred route as well as further engagement with the community, iwi and landowners,” Mr Whight said.
The investigation work which is expected to be completed by mid 2011, will be followed by the consenting process to 2012. Construction of the expressway is planned to begin in late 2013 and is anticipated to take four years.
The Peka Peka to Otaki Expressway is part of the Wellington Northern Corridor road of national significance, which extends from Levin to Wellington Airport. The Corridor is one of seven roads of national significance identified by the Government and due for completion within the next 10 years.
Mr Whight said “the planned work on the Wellington Northern Corridor, which will be substantially completed by 2020, will result in improved safety and route security, as well as providing greater journey time reliability”.
