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.
Construction has now started on the Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway.
The new 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.
Please see our most recent information about Ō2NL:
Main construction works are starting on the new Ō2NL highway, so you’ll start seeing more activity in the area. This includes more vehicles, heavy machinery, and work happening along the 24km route between Taylors Road in Ōtaki and north of Levin.
From October, teams will have a major focus on earthworks and connected activities, such as stormwater and drainage preparation, vegetation clearance, stream diversions and defishing. Site establishment works will also continue, which includes fencing, building haul roads, surveying, testing and house removal.
If you travel through this area, be aware that speed restrictions are in place on sections of SH1 and SH57 and local roads within the project area, at locations where construction vehicles access the project site.
Some of the activities taking place on and around the project site this spring and summer include:
|
Activity |
Where |
What’s happening |
|
Haul road crossings |
Waihou Road. Tararua Road east of the new SH57 roundabout. Muhunoa East Road, east of SH1. North Manakau Road. Kuku East Road. South Manakau Road. |
Temporary traffic lights will be used at these locations to allow earthworks machinery to cross the road. |
|
Earthworks |
Site-wide. |
We’re removing the top layer of soil in preparation for bulk earthworks starting early 2026. Teams are also constructing sediment retention ponds, an important environmental control during earthworks. These ponds trap sediment that runs off when it rains, preventing it from entering waterways. |
|
Vegetation clearing |
Site-wide. |
Removal of trees and scrub across the site in preparation for construction. Vegetation removal will be offset by the planting of 250 hectares of native trees and shrubs. |
|
Predator proof area |
Queen Street East. |
This securely fenced area is where our teams will relocate protected lizards found during construction. |
|
Queen Street East overbridge construction |
Queen Street East, east of the SH57 roundabout. |
Starting early 2026, foundation works will begin on the new Queen Street East overbridge. |
|
Site office construction |
Old SH1 at Taylors Road in Ōtaki. |
Construction is underway for one of the main project offices. This office will contain a visitor’s centre where members of the public can come to find out more about the project. The other main project office – located at Tararua Road near Levin - is completed. |
|
Material supply sites |
Arapaepae Road south of Heatherlea East Road. Muhunoa East Road. North Manakau Road. Otarere near Kuku East Road Near Waikawa Stream. Tatum Park. |
Material supply sites are where our earthworks teams take earth that’s suitable for using as fill elsewhere on the project. |
The Ō2NL new highway project has been given the green light to proceed to construction marking a significant milestone towards a safer, more resilient, and efficient transport connection for the fast-growing Horowhenua and Greater Wellington region.
The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Board has confirmed additional funding to ensure that the Ō2NL project will progress, including some features from the originally consented design.
As a result of the Board’s decision, the following elements of the project will be reinstated:
The Ō2NL project will deliver a more efficient, resilient and safer highway which is firmly focused on enabling future growth and development in one of New Zealand’s fastest growing districts.
The project team are working through developing the final design of the new highway, with the above elements included, ahead of starting construction in Spring this year.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated as the design is finalised.
CloseSince 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.
In May, we held 5 community drop-in sessions to share the updated design. Across the sessions we spoke to around 500 people who were interested to understand more about the updated design and provide their feedback.
The May updated design took into consideration a range of aspects, including a greater understanding of ground conditions, and anticipated construction costs, while ensuring that project objectives were achieved.
Information from the drop-in sessions are available online:
Take a look at our information boards to find out more about the new highway [PDF, 7.2 MB]
Watch the fly-through video (updated June 2025)(external link)
Updated design brochure (May 2025) [PDF, 1.3 MB]
Ōtaki to north of Levin updated map (May 2025) [PDF, 35 MB]
CloseNZTA, 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.
CloseNZTA 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
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: flyover design update – October 2025
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:
