The NZ Transport Agency has awarded the contract for the construction of the 13 km Peka Peka to Ōtaki section of the Kāpiti Expressway to Fletcher Construction, with work on the ground set to get under way in mid-2017.
“The tender process was extremely competitive, and the shortlist was assessed against a large number of criteria including overall cost, environmental management and community engagement,” Neil Walker, NZ Transport Agency Wellington Highway Manager says.
“Fletcher will now proceed with detailed design, environmental planning and other enabling works for the project. This will include further community consultation. Major construction activities are planned to start in mid-2017.
“Fletcher and its partners will be able to build on the strong relationships they’ve forged with the community as part of the alliance constructing the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway. We’re looking forward to a continuation of the collaborative approach they’ve become known for during that project,” Mr Walker says.
The Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway forms a key part of the Wellington Northern Corridor, which is one of the Government’s roads of national significance. The Transmission Gully motorway, Mackays to Peka Peka and Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressways are the main infrastructural developments of the corridor.
Once these projects are complete, the Wellington CBD will be linked to the northern Kāpiti Coast by around 80km of four-lane, motorway-quality road, with a central barrier and grade separations throughout. It will improve safety, efficiency and journey reliability, while providing a more resilient route in the event of a natural disaster. Making travel for people and freight safer, more efficient and reliable will also support the region’s economic growth and productivity.