Progress made on major road project.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed significant progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS). The NZ Transport Agency Board has approved funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.
The project involves four-laning 6.5 kilometres of the expressway between Taradale Road and Pakowhai Road/Links Road roundabouts. This will enable more efficient travel between Napier and Hastings and provide a more reliable connection to Hawke’s Bay Airport and the region's largest port.
Early ground improvement work has already started on Stage 1, using repurposed silt from Cyclone Gabrielle. This move is expected to bring forward construction by 12-15 months. The approved funding will also allow further enabling work at Tutaekuri River bridge in preparation for a new 280-metre bridge.
The Government continues to prioritise infrastructure projects like the Hawke's Bay RoNS, aiming to enable Kiwis and freight to travel quickly and safely. Main works construction is scheduled to commence in late 2025.