The Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) project is in full swing. Detailed design of Section 1 (Taradale Road to Pākowhai/Links Road) got underway in March 2025, and we’ve made excellent progress on enabling works. Construction funding is subject to approval, with a decision expected later this year on whether to proceed with Section 1 main construction. You can view the Section 1 timeline linked below.
Hawke’s Bay Expressway section 1 timeline [PDF, 349 KB]
While we’re underway with the first portion of the project, we’re also planning for the rest of the corridor. An investment case will be completed in 2025, which will inform the decision on whether to move forward with detailed design. In May 2025, funding was approved for early works on Section 2 which covers two areas: from Prebensen Drive to Taradale Road (north of Section 1) and from Pākōwhai Road to York Road (south of Section 1). This funding will enable us to carry out geotechnical investigations north of Pākōwhai Road roundabout and ground improvements at the Ngaruroro Bridge to prepare the ground for future four-laning.
The Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024 (GPS 2024) includes the expectation for NZTA to consider tolling to support the construction and maintenance of all new roads, including the Roads of National Significance. A tolling assessment is underway now for the Hawke’s Bay Expressway project. If the initial assessment indicates that tolling is suitable, public consultation will occur. Tolling assessments are designed to analyse tolling feasibility, including how a potential toll road might interact with the wider transport network. We will keep the community updated once this process is complete.
