Decision to back track on downgrading Ōtaki-Levin expressway met with joy
Ōtaki Gorge Road site at SH1 with Bridges.
Photo:
Supplied / NZTA /
Mark Coote
A decision from Waka Kotahi NZTA to back track on rescoping the Ōtaki to North of Levin expressway has been met with joy in the community.
Earlier this year, months out from work beginning a revised design for the road was released which saw on-ramps and overbridges removed and the northern end reduced from four lanes to two.
The design also cancelled the bridge that would link Manakau Heights to the rest of Manukau.
The change saw four councils - Horowhenua District Council, Horizons Regional Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Kāpiti District Council come out and say
it would curtail development
.
Waka Kotahi said last month the design changes were primarily driven by the government's drive to save money.
It has since been announced that three elements of the initial design would be reinstated.
They were a grade separated interchange with Tararua Road in Levin, a southbound on ramp at the southern end of the road and a bridge at Manakau Heights.
Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden.
Photo:
RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden said the changes demonstrated a clear and powerful response to strong local and regional advocacy.
"It's not just a good outcome, it's the right outcome.
"It reflects the strength of our community's collective voice and the effectiveness of Council's long-standing advocacy to ensure this project lives up to its original promises of safety, efficiency and regional connection."
Wanden thanked the NZTA board and local Ōtaki MP Tim Costley for which advocacy.
Costley told RNZ that the changes were great news and was excited to see construction start later this year.
He said the road had been cancelled and delayed over the past six years, so the revised scope caused frustration in the local community.
"That was a lot for people to deal with, and it was kind of like here we go again."
Construction of the Ōtaki to North of Levin expressway was expected to be complete in 2029.
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