The NZ Transport Agency today announced a preferred option for a proposed shared path to be constructed as part of the Peka Peka to Ōtaki (PP2Ō) Expressway.
“The easterly option from Marycrest to the Ōtaki River has been selected and was preferred by the community because it offers the best safety features and the best connectivity for people living in the region,” Senior Manager, Project Delivery Chris Hunt says.
“It also offers greater separation from the road, includes fewer intersections and conflict points with traffic, and stunning views of the mountains.”
In October, three options were presented to more than 1200 people who attended community information days at Ōtaki and Te Horo.
“Key considerations and feedback for the shared path options included issues like safety, embankment slopes, connections to schools and recreation sites, the existing rail corridor and crossing, wetlands and Winstones’ operational work site,” Mr Hunt says
“We would like to thank the community and wider stakeholders who provided such valuable input in to this important and exciting project.”
Once the detailed design process is complete, the shared path project team will progress to the submission of a business case to the Transport Agency to confirm funding availability.
The aim is for the proposed shared path to be completed in line with the PP2Ō Expressway, in 2020.
Background
In the recommended alignment, the existing Mackays to Peka Peka (M2PP) shared path south of the Ōtaki River will be extended along the western side of a new local arterial road to Marycrest. It then crosses to the eastern side of the new expressway, joining the proposed PP2Ō shared path at Ōtaki Gorge Road. The path continues northward, crossing the Ōtaki River on the new Ōtaki River Expressway Bridge. North of the Ōtaki River, it passes under and to the western side of the expressway through a large culvert, crossing over the rail corridor and joining the proposed expressway project shared path through the Ōtaki Rail Station.
