Today marks a significant milestone for Horowhenua and the lower North Island as we celebrate the first year since construction began on the Ōtaki to north of Levin Road of National Significance project, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. 

“A year ago today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and I joined our delivery partners in Manakau to turn the first sod, marking the start of construction on this crucial project. Twelve months later, local communities can already see the scale of strong progress being made on site,” Mr Bishop says. 

“With around 1.22 million hours worked over the past 12 months, crews have moved around 1.2 million cubic metres of earth - enough to cover an entire rugby field 120 metres deep - and started construction on major structures, including the North Island Main Trunk Rail Overbridge, Ōhau Awa bridge, North and South Manakau Road bridges, and Queen Street East overpass. 

“This new expressway will cut travel times, make it easier and more reliable to move people and freight, and support continued growth in Horowhenua and across the lower North Island. The project is also creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and investing in skills and training opportunities that will benefit the region long after the road is finished. 

“To date, we’ve seen over 150 locals, including 80 local youth and Jobseekers find fulltime employment and training opportunities through the project, and the 165 local businesses working on the project.

“The year ahead is also expected to be the busiest period of construction since work began, with earthworks continuing at pace, further progress on bridges and structures, new local road connections taking shape, and increased traffic management as work expands across the project area.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank local MPs Tim Costley and Suze Redmayne for their strong advocacy for this project and their ongoing work on behalf of the community. 

"As significant construction activity increases, communities will see more visible progress across the corridor. We know construction can be disruptive at times, and I'd like to thank local communities and road users for their patience and support as we deliver this critical piece of infrastructure."