$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
The new permanent roundabout that’s being built outside RNZAF Base Ohakea on State Highway 1/3 is taking shape. The roundabout will make this busy stretch of road between Bulls and Sanson safer for everyone who uses it. The overall Pukenui Road roundabout and shared user path project is on schedule for completion by August 2024.
New roundabout on SH1/3 on track for completion(external link)
Construction on safety improvements on State Highway 1 between Levin and Foxton have begun. New turning facilities, flexible median and side barrier installation and a new roundabout will feature as part of the project.
Construction starting on safety improvements for SH1 between Levin and Foxton
Work has begun on the new Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre (CVSC) that’s being built on Pukenui Road outside Base Ohakea. The Ohakea CVSC will replace the old New Zealand Police weigh station on SH1/3 near Bulls.
Construction underway on Ohakea CVSC(external link)
As the Auraki Stream road retreat project on State Highway 4 near Raetihi nears completion, dozens of school-aged children have helped with planting in the area.
Flora and Fauna a focus at Auraki Stream on SH4
The replacement highway for State Highway 3 through Te Apiti – Manawatū Gorge enters its fourth year of construction in 2024. Bulk earthworks is nearing completion, with the project currently sitting at 6.3 million cubic metres moved. The remaining 100,000m3 is expected to be finished early this year. The focus now moves to construction of the road surface (pavements), with work underway at completed earthworks sections. Three of the highway’s six structures are completed, with work on the remaining structures well advanced.
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
State Highway 3 (SH3) between Whanganui and Bulls is a key route for locals, tourists, and freight but too many people are being killed or seriously injured in crashes while travelling it.
Our priority is to make this a safer stretch of road as soon as possible so that everyone living on and using this section of SH3, can get where they are going safely.
Five people died and 23 were seriously injured in crashes on SH3 between Whanganui and Bulls between 2018 and 2022. All of the crashes where people died were head on crashes.
In 2022, we undertook a study to understand which types of safety improvements would work best for this road. We identified that adding sections of flexible median barrier to the route would be very effective at reducing deaths and serious injuries.
We’re currently investigating where we can install sections of median barrier and locations for building facilities for people to turnaround when barrier is installed.
We will soon be speaking to local residents and the wider community about the proposed safety improvements for the route.
SH3 Whanganui to Bulls safety improvements
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. The project is expected to be finished by August 2024. We have begun investigations into the inclusion of a short section of flexible median barrier (about 700 metres) between the northern end of the new roundabout and ending before the turn into Wightman Road.
Construction has also begun on the new Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre (previously known as weigh station) that’s being built next to the roundabout on Pukenui Road.
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 started in January 2024.
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 NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). This season in Manawatū-Whanganui, we have three rehabilitation sites: SH1 north of Taihape (completed), SH3 Dudding Lake (completed), and SH3 Makirikiri Stream Bridge (Turakina).
A number of resurfacing and resealing works are also underway across the region. Some resurfacing has been completed on SH1 already this season, near Hunterville and at Wings Line, Marton, as well as three separate sites in Levin; the Queen Street intersection, Oxford Street and Hokio Beach Road intersection.
The Minister of Transport has announced changes to the Setting of Speed Limits Rule and confirmed that work is underway to develop a new Rule. We are taking the appropriate steps to give effect to road safety policies the government announces.
Government changes speed limit rules – beehive.govt.nz(external link)
