Work Begins on Hawke’s Bay Expressway as Govt Pushes Forward with Key Infrastructure Projects

The four-laning project on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, which carries 29,000 vehicles daily and links freight to Napier Port, is crucial to meeting the region’s growing demand.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown confirmed today that the Government has commenced early works on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, one of the Roads of National Significance (RoNS), as part of its broader plan to deliver essential infrastructure.

“The Government is fulfilling its promise to deliver a new generation of RoNS across the country, reducing congestion, unlocking land for new housing developments, and driving economic growth to rebuild the economy and lower the cost of living,” said Mr Brown.

The four-laning project on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, which carries 29,000 vehicles daily and links freight to Napier Port, is crucial to meeting the region’s growing demand. According to Mr Brown, starting work now will allow the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to optimize the 2025/2026 construction season and advance the project by 12 to 15 months.

This initiative is part of the Government's focus on prioritizing 17 RoNS, with seven new projects set to begin procurement, enabling works, and construction within the next three years.

"New Zealand has long faced an infrastructure deficit, and our Government is taking concrete action to address it. Kiwis elected a government committed to delivering the infrastructure needed to enhance productivity and economic growth, and that’s exactly what we’re doing," Mr Brown added.

Four-laning the Hawke’s Bay Expressway is expected to significantly improve travel times, enhance safety, and bolster resilience, particularly in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, when it proved vital to maintaining access to the region. This project will also support regional development by improving freight movement to Napier Port and easing congestion in the most heavily trafficked section between Taradale Road and Pākowhai Road.

Minister Brown emphasized that the Government’s infrastructure agenda is gaining momentum, with other RoNS projects progressing, such as Takitimu North Link Stage 1, Ōtaki to North of Levin, and the Northland Expressway.

“The RoNS projects previously developed have proven to be some of New Zealand’s most successful highway corridors. By moving swiftly on this new generation of RoNS, we are focused on delivering real value to both commuters and businesses,” Mr. Brown concluded.