$1.3 billion is forecast to be invested in the Manawatū-Whanganui region during the 2021-24 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) to strengthen the region’s position as an important freight hub connecting the central North Island and support the local economy, regional development and urban growth.
Manawatū – Whanganui NLTP 2023 update
A new permanent roundabout and shared user path are being built at the intersection of Pukenui Road and SH1/SH3 outside RNZAF Base Ohakea.
The project is expected to take 15 months and will make this stretch of road between Bulls and Sanson safer for everyone who uses it.
Work begins to make busy Ōhakea intersection safer for road users
Work continues on the new state highway between Ashhurst and Woodville.
Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway
A new four-lane highway from Ōtaki to north of Levin is being progressed, supporting growth in Levin and providing a safer and more resilient route.
Ōtaki to north of Levin proposed new highway
Work to repair substantial damage to parts of SH4 between Whanganui and Raetihi following a major flood event in 2015 is ongoing.
A significant milestone has been reached in the Auraki Stream road retreat project on SH4 Parapara Road, with traffic moved to the new road’s southbound lane in June 2023, following completion of the main earthworks.
We are also working towards construction of a new permanent road at Te Oreore where a temporary road was constructed following a large slip in 2019.
SH4 Whanganui to Raetihi repairs
As part of a package of safety improvements for SH1 and SH3 between Bulls and Sanson, a new roundabout and shared user path are being constructed outside RNZAF Base Ohakea.
This 15-month project will make this busy stretch of road safer for everyone who uses it.
A contract has also been awarded for the new Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre (previously known as weigh station) that’s set to be constructed next to the roundabout by Pukenui Road.
We have constructed a new Manawatū River Bridge and Whirokino Trestle, and deconstructed the old Manawatū River Bridge. The new structures are able to carry HPMV loads, have improved route security, are safer and have improved walking and cycling facilities. Remaining works include local road tie-ins, final rest area works and completion of the northern abutment memorial (old Trestle Bridge.
Whirokino Trestle and Manawatū River Bridge
Between 2018 and 2022, there were 122 crashes on State Highway 1 (SH1) from Levin to Foxton which resulted in five people dying and 20 being seriously injured.
To help prevent deaths and serious injuries on this road, we’re planning to install a roundabout at the intersection with Waitārere Beach Road, stretches of painted wide centreline, roadside and median barrier, and new turnaround facilities.
The safety improvements will be constructed in stages. Improvements north of the Manawatū River Bridge will be constructed first, followed by improvements south of the bridge (subject to funding approval).
Construction is expected to begin later this year.
SH1 Levin to Foxton safety improvements
Maintenance summary infographic for Manawatū – Whanganui 2022/23 [PDF, 781 KB]
Planned maintenance infographic for Manawatū – Whanganui 2023/24 [PDF, 1.1 MB]
Keeping the network safe, reliable, and resilient is a top priority for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. This season in Manawatū-Whanganui, we have three rehabilitation sites: SH1 north of Taihape, SH3 Dudding Lake, and SH3 Makirikiri Stream Bridge (Turakina).
A number of resurfacing and resealing works are planned for the region. Some resurfacing has been completed on SH1 already this season, near Hunterville and at Wings Line, Marton. Three major pre-Christmas sites planned for SH1 in Levin are Queen Street intersection, Oxford Street and Hokio Beach Road intersection.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency sought feedback on its speed management plan for state highways. Submissions closed on 12 December 2022.
The plan is now undergoing the certification process with a newly formed Speed Management Committee, which provide an independent review of Waka Kotahi speed management plans and advise the Director of Land Transport.
Once a decision has been made by the Director, which we anticipate will happen later this year, we will publish it on our website. We will also inform all partners, stakeholders, and submitters that requested an email update of the outcome.
