Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway shared path opens

Moving about in Kāpiti will now be safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists with the opening of a new 10 km-long shared path.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is opening the shared path this weekend.

Built as part of the Peka Peka to Ōtaki (PP2Ō) expressway project, the path links with the previously completed MacKay’s to Peka Peka (M2PP) shared path and runs to Ōtaki River and on through to Te Roto Road near the Ōtaki Māori Racing Club.

Emma Speight, Director of Regional Relationships, says there’s a growing need for facilities like this,

“While roads are an important part of our transport infrastructure, it’s also essential we help all people, including pedestrians and cyclists, to get from A to B as safely as possible. Protected shared paths like this are a proven way to do it.”

Ms Speight says the path connects communities and helps them access important areas, like ;local schools and recreational sites.

“We’re excited about this new shared path, and we’re excited about the opportunities it brings for Kāpiti.”

Drivers are asked to take extra care this weekend, as the path’s opening may see more walkers and cyclists using the new signalised crossing on old State Highway 1 at Makahuri.

Key features of the path include:

• safe stream and river crossings
• safe connections to the local road network
• an underpass at Makahuri (formerly known as Marycrest) provides safe passage under the expressway, and a signalised crossing by the underpass allows safe crossing of the old State Highway 1
• an upgraded railway level crossing at Makahuri
• a 3m-wide shared path across the new Ōtaki River Bridge
• access to the Winstone Lakes and Te Roto Road (north of the Ōtaki River Bridge).
• access for horse riders

PP2O Expressway connecting communities map [PDF, 181 KB]

Next steps

While not part of the PP2Ō Expressway project, work to extend the shared path is planned. It will be extended over the existing Ōtaki River bridge, through Ōtaki town, and up to Taylor’s Road. Works will include clip-on structures onto the eastern side of the old Ōtaki River and Waitohu Stream bridges that allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross those waterways safely.

This project starts on Monday, 15 May, beginning with the support structures at each end of the old Ōtaki River bridge. This part of the project won’t affect road users. However, from August, there’ll be a lane closure on the bridge with temporary traffic management in place. This is for the safety of crews and road users and is to allow the support structures to be attached to the bridge. This work is expected to take place over several months.