The Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) Road of National Significance begins its next phase of work with the establishment of two interim alliances.
Since the announcement last December of preferred tenderers, Ō2NL project partners NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and hapū of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga have been working closely with the selected consortia.
NZTA Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery, Rob Partridge, says with two alliances there has been a lot of work done over the past few months to establish a strong and collaborative foundation to set the project up for effective delivery.
“NZTA has now signed two interim agreements, establishing the alliances that will support the ongoing development and delivery of the Ō2NL highway project,” says Mr Partridge.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the project, setting up the team that’s needed to build the new highway. The four-lane expressway will dramatically improve safety and resilience for those travelling within and through Kāpiti and Horowhenua, supporting the growing population with improved and more reliable travelling times.
“South of the Ohau river, we will be working with alliance partners Downer, McConnell Dowell, Beca and Tonkin + Taylor,” says Mr Partridge.
Board chair for the southern alliance Andrea Rickard says being part of enhancing the safety of our roads is deeply meaningful for their teams.
“It is a real motivator – being able to make a tangible difference. Downer, McConnell Dowell, Tonkin + Taylor and Beca are pleased to be partnering with Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, hapū of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, NZTA and Horowhenua District Council to make roads safer and more resilient and contribute to the economic wellbeing of the region.
“The northern section of the new highway and associated works will be delivered through an alliance with Fulton Hogan, HEB, WSP and Aurecon,” Mr Partridge says.
“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. We’re really looking forward to getting to know the community and working with our project partners to efficiently deliver a much-needed, safer journey for everyone living near and passing through this key corridor,” says board chair for the northern alliance Andrew Johnson.
Mr Partridge says that, importantly, there’s a big focus on where cooperation and collaboration can ensure parties to the alliances work together as efficiently and effectively as possible.
“Utilising the skills and experience of industry partners in two alliances on a single project is a first for NZTA.
“At 24.8km, the Ōtaki to north of Levin project is nearly as long as the Mackays to Peka Peka, and Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressways combined. Delivering this large-scale project through two alliances will increase access to resources and enable strong delivery of the project.
“Signing alliance agreements alongside receiving the recent interim Environment Court decision sets the project up strongly to move forward.
“Construction of the new highway is due to start next year, and expected to be completed in 2029.
“Ō2NL project partners are looking forward to introducing our new alliance partners to stakeholders and the community in the near future.”
