The Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) highway project is the northernmost section of the Wellington Northern Corridor and will improve the safety and resilience of the transport network connecting Ōtaki and Levin, and the wider region.
The project is being delivered by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, working closely with iwi partners Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa, as well as landowners, community groups, key stakeholders and local authorities.
The existing State Highway network through Horowhenua has some of New Zealand’s most dangerous roads - 49 deaths and serious injuries occurred in the five years to 2017.
The aim of developing the expressway is to:
- improve road safety;
- accommodate population growth – by 2040, more than 130,548 people will live in Horowhenua and Kāpiti
- accommodate expected future traffic volumes;
- improve the resilience of the transport network connecting Ōtaki and Levin; and
- improve regional connectivity by strengthening the strategic economic link from Wellington through to the central North Island.
The expressway was on and off the table for over a decade, creating much anxiety. However, in 2018, a preferred corridor for the new 24.2 km Ōtaki to north of Levin Expressway was publicly announced.
In 2020, central government committed $817 million towards the construction of the four-lane highway. The project includes a separated shared path for walking and cycling.
Construction is set to start in 2025 and be completed in 2029.
Photo - Ō2NL Highway overview map (above): Credit Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency have lodged Notices of Requirement (NoR) and applications for Resource Consent under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), with Horowhenua District Council, Kāpiti Coast District Council, Horizons Regional Council and Wellington Regional Council. This marks the start of the RMA process for the Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) highway project.
The application documents are available for viewing on the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency website. Waka Kotahi also provided hard copies of the application for viewing in each of Council’s service centres in late January 2023.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency requested the application go straight to the Environment Court for consideration (this process is called direct referral). The reasons for this are set out in the application, but include the significance and complexity of the project (including that it extends across four Councils) and the high level of public interest. This request was approved by all four Councils. This means that the applications will be heard and decided by the Environment Court.
First HDC Submission to NZTA on the Ōtaki to North of Levin RONS Project(PDF, 135KB)
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency have a dedicated space on their website specifically for the Ōtaki to north of Levin Highway project.
Information includes:
- latest news
- publications - factsheets, project posters, project updates etc
- frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- videos
- Resource Management Act applications
- technical reports
- maps
- Tararua Road / State Highway 57 (SH57) roundabout.
Find out more
Head to the Ōtaki to north of Levin new highway project page for more information about the project that will improve road safety in our district.