Hawke’s Bay Expressway Stage 1 Moves Forward: Detailed Design and Early Works Underway

Government Accelerates Infrastructure Development to Boost Regional Growth and Connectivity.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown has celebrated a significant milestone for the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1. Construction of the main works is set to begin in late 2025, marking a major step toward improving regional connectivity and economic growth.

The first stage of the project will upgrade a 6.5-kilometre stretch of the expressway between the Taradale Road and Pakowhai Road/Links Road roundabouts. This critical section, currently the most congested, will be expanded to four lanes. The upgrade will provide a safer and more efficient travel route, improving connectivity between Napier and Hastings, and enhancing access to Hawke’s Bay Airport and the region’s largest port.

“This Government is committed to delivering infrastructure that reduces congestion, boosts productivity, and ensures safer, more resilient transport networks,” Mr. Brown said.

Progress and Early Works

Ground improvement work for Stage 1 is already underway. A notable feature of the preparation involves repurposing safe and tested silt recovered from Cyclone Gabrielle by the Silt Recovery Taskforce. This material is being used to build up the land around the Kennedy Road offramp, demonstrating an innovative and sustainable approach to construction.

“I recently visited the Kennedy Road offramp site and was impressed by the progress already made. These enabling works will allow NZTA to expedite the project by 12 to 15 months,” Mr. Brown noted.

The funding will also support enabling works for a new 280-metre bridge over the Tutaekuri River. These efforts, scheduled for the current construction season, will ensure contractors are ready to begin main works promptly in late 2025.

Economic and Regional Benefits

The Hawke’s Bay Expressway RoNS is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits, including:

• Economic Growth: Improved access to key regional hubs will support local businesses, agriculture, and tourism.
• Job Creation: The project will create jobs in construction and related industries, contributing to regional economic recovery.
• Safety and Resilience: Four-laning will reduce traffic congestion and accidents, while the upgraded network will be more resilient to future extreme weather events.

The expressway is part of a broader Government commitment to invest in transformative infrastructure projects that promote regional development and enhance New Zealand’s national transport network.

Looking Ahead

The detailed design phase will be completed in 2024, setting the stage for full-scale construction the following year. Early works and enabling projects will continue throughout 2024 to maintain momentum.

“Our Government will continue to prioritize projects like the Hawke’s Bay Expressway that help New Zealanders and freight move quickly and safely. I look forward to seeing more progress on site as works ramp up in the new year,” Mr. Brown added.

Further updates on construction timelines and progress will be provided by NZTA as the project advances.