State Highways

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) | Waka Kotahi is Horowhenua District Council’s transport partner – we work together on many co-funded projects including footpath renewal. NZTA is responsible for the State Highway Network (SH1, SH57 and SH56), and for building any new highways.

You can find more information about road closures on the state highway network on NZTA's Journey Planner or follow NZTA’s Facebook page.

To report a safety concern or maintenance issue please call NZTA on 0800 444 449.

The proposed Ōtaki to North of Levin (Ō2NL) Expressway is an unfunded but priority project of NZTA. You can find out more about this project by visiting NZTA’s website.

Advocacy

Horowhenua District Council is advocating for Ō2NL as our district is growing and our communities are suffering as a result of the poorly constructed State Highway network through our district.

Other areas that Council is advocating for improvements along this network include:

  • The installation of a roundabout for the Queen Street intersection with SH56 and a 60 kilometres per hour (km/h) limit on the intersection until it is made safe
  • The Waitārere Curves realignment
  • Replacement of the SH56 and SH1 intersection
  • Safety improvements on SH1 from Ōtaki to Foxton in open road areas
  • More safety improvements on SH1 in Ōhau and Manakau
  • Replacement of two earthquake-prone railway overbridges south of Levin
  • An alternate route for SH1 south of Levin until Ō2NL is built
  • Flooding prevention work for SH1 south of Levin
  • A cycling clip-on lane on the Whirokino Trestle over the Manawatū River
  • Access to Gladstone Green, a proposed new residential area for over 2,000 homes east of Levin.

In the past, Council’s advocacy, along with that of other organisations, has led to:

  • The replacement of Whirokino Trestle over the Manawatū River
  • Safety improvements on SH56 between Levin and Palmerston North
  • The reduction in speed limits in Ōhau and Manakau.

Related Information

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