Work has started on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway as part of a larger national infrastructure plan.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced the beginning of works on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS). The project, aimed at reducing congestion and unlocking land for new housing, is part of the Government's promise to deliver a new generation of RoNS across New Zealand.
The Hawke’s Bay Expressway carries 29,000 vehicles daily and links freight to one of New Zealand’s largest ports. Early works have started on the central section of the road, which is expected to reach capacity at peak times soon. The project will be accelerated by starting work now, allowing the NZTA to make the most of the 2025/2026 construction season.
The Government has prioritized 17 RoNS highlighted in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport. Four-laning the Hawke’s Bay Expressway is expected to boost economic growth and productivity by reducing travel times, increasing resilience, and improving safety for motorists. The project also aims to increase capacity and resilience of the region, particularly during natural disasters like Cyclone Gabrielle.
The Minister highlighted that this initiative will deliver real value to commuters and businesses across New Zealand, following successful RoNS projects built by previous governments. With several other Roads of National Significance projects underway, including Takitimu North Link Stage 1 and Ōtaki to North of Levin, the Government is moving at pace to build a new generation of RoNS and deliver better road infrastructure to Kiwis and businesses across the country.