This week marks the beginning of construction on the new $330 million Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway, part of the Wellington Northern Corridor.
NZ Transport Agency Director of Regional Relationships, Emma Speight, says the project will reduce congestion and provide safer, more efficient and more reliable journeys through the Kapiti Coast area, connecting with the McKays to Peka Peka Expressway in the south.
“The 13km of four-lane expressway project also includes 9kms of local roads, a new 330-metre Ōtaki River crossing, overbridges at Rahui Road and at School Road in Te Horo and proposed options for better walking and cycling access,” Ms Speight says.
“1.3km of railway tracks will also be moved to ensure all modes of transport are well considered and are properly catered for.”
Ms Speight has also congratulated Fletchers Construction, the project’s constructor, for winning Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2017 – at the Māori Language Awards.
Fletchers was nominated alongside community partners Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rito in the Pakihi - Business category for bi-lingual site signage on the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway.
“The award is recognition of Fletchers’ commitment to developing of constructive relationships with communities it’s working in and for,” Ms Speight says.
“There are four kohanga, two Māori immersion schools and two bilingual units within mainstream schools in Ōtaki, so the signage has added real value from a health and safety perspective as well as cultural one.”
The Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway(external link) is expected to open in 2020.
