Delays to the Peka Peka to Ōtaki section of the Kāpiti expressway will impact on the region’s economic potential as it responds to COVID-19.

Communities in Ōtaki have been told the current completion date for the next part of the Expressway could be 2022, which also follows news that Transmission Gully is experiencing significant delays and may not open until late 2022.

James Cootes, Ōtaki Councillor for the Kāpiti Coast District says officials from NZTA indicated at a local meeting the next part of the Expressway may not be finished until at least the end of the first quarter of 2022.

“The delays to our district's two major roading projects are disappointing but understandable. I know from talking to the contractors, the impact COVID-19 has had on their operation. Added to the unavoidable delay is the addition of the shared pathway and the $50 million epoxy asphalt surface to the PP2O project which is welcomed. The impact they have on the delivery of the project will be worth it given the positive benefits to our community.

“Whilst the ongoing disruption to our community and extended delays to traffic flows will be frustrating, the silver lining is the continued employment and economic benefits to our community (from construction) for another two years in these uncertain economic times,” says James Cootes, Ōtaki Ward Councillor.

Jacinda Thorn, Chair of the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce, says there is growing pressure on local roads.

“It can be difficult enough for locals to travel between Paraparaumu and Ōtaki, let alone visitors to the region. We want to be making it as easy as possible for people to experience and visit Kapiti - and now, it looks like we will need to deal with congestion and delays for up to two years.

“We need certainty and we need the roads completed as soon as possible, and we’re urging the Government and NZTA to move as quickly as possible to complete both the Expressway and Transmission Gully so Kāpiti can recognise its economic potential,” says Jacinda Thorn.

The Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce exists to advance the economy by creating wealth and employment and solve local business issues by providing a collective voice for business in Kāpiti. Over 300 members in Kāpiti belong to the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce to stay connected, network and gain knowledge and support from our local membership.

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