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Project introduction

The new Ōtaki to north of Levin highway will improve safety, reliability and efficiency for those moving around or through the Horowhenua District and lower North Island. The Crown-funded highway project is one of the original Roads of National Significance.

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Ō2NL updated design

Since the RMA consents for the Ōtaki to north of Levin new highway were granted in December and the Notice of Requirement confirmed, we’ve been working to develop the design of the new highway, ahead of starting construction in Spring this year.

The updated design has taken into consideration a range of aspects, including a greater understanding of ground conditions, and anticipated construction costs.

While there are some changes to the RMA concept design, our project objectives remain the same – to deliver a safer, more resilient and efficient highway that will support the region’s economic growth.

Take a look at our information boards to find out more about the new highway [PDF, 7.2 MB]

Watch our new fly-through video(external link)

Updated design brochure [PDF, 1.3 MB]

Ōtaki to north of Levin updated map – May 2025 [PDF, 33 MB]

Upcoming Ō2NL drop-in sessions – May 2025

The Ōtaki to north of Levin new highway project team are hosting a series of drop-in sessions in your area this month, where we will share the updated design.

Come along to one of the below sessions to find out more:

Location  

Date  

Time 

Ō2NL Levin project office 
171 Oxford Street, Levin 

Wednesday 21 May 

3pm-7pm 

Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō Community Centre & Library 
10 Bath Street, Levin 

Saturday 24 May 

11am-2pm 

Manakau Community Hall 
12 Mokena Kohere Street, Manakau 

Tuesday 27 May 

3pm-6pm 

Ohau Hall 
14 Muhunoa West Road, Ohau 

Wednesday 28 May 

3pm-6pm 

Ōtaki Hall 
69 Main Street, Ōtaki 

Thursday 29 May 

3pm-6pm 

Building a safer, more reliable State Highway 1 from Ōtaki to north of Levin

NZTA, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga are working together to create a positive legacy for the region while we build a new, safer and more reliable State Highway 1 from Ōtaki to north of Levin.

The new four-lane 24km highway will dramatically improve safety, improve resilience and provide better access to walking and cycling facilities for those moving around or through the Horowhenua District and lower North Island.

During the last five years, 72 people have died or been seriously injured along the route, making it one of the country’s most dangerous sections of road to drive.

Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2029.

Ō2NL alliance partners

NZTA has now signed two interim project alliance agreements with the two alliances who will support the ongoing development and delivery of the new highway.

Each alliance will each deliver a section of the road and associated works.

South of the Ohau river we will be working with alliance partners Downer, McConnell Dowell, Beca and Tonkin+Taylor. The northern section of the new highway and associated works will be delivered through an alliance with Fulton Hogan, HEB, WSP and Aurecon.

Details are in our media release:

Another major milestone for Ōtaki to north of Levin as alliances formed

Ō2NL project videos

In our new project videos, hear from project partners about what the new highway and shared user path will bring to the region, the positive legacy it will leave, and the partnership approach in delivering the project.

Project outcomes

Creating an enduring legacy

Mana whenua insights

Ōtaki to north of Levin new highway fly through May 2025

Safer roads and safe speeds

While we work to deliver the new highway, we’re working to make the existing State Highway 1 and State Highway 57 safer now. We’ve implemented safer speeds and continue install safety improvements to the existing roads. You can find out more on the Existing highways – safety and speed page:

Existing highways – safety and speed