Hawke's Bay Expressway set to become four lanes as part of Government's nation-building transport plan
The Hawke’s Bay Expressway (State Highway 2) will become a four-lane highway as part of the Labour Government’s nation-building transport plan.
The project was identified in the draft Government Policy Statement that was released today, which sets out Government investment intentions for priority transport routes across the country. The Government has identified 14 key strategic projects for Waka Kotahi to consider as it develops its next 10-year National Land Transport Plan. The Government’s investment would include building resilience along the State Highway 2 expressway from Omahu Road to Taradale Road and upgrading existing bridges and intersections. Additional lanes would support freight and prioritise public transport between Hastings and Napier.
The draft policy statement is proposing to increase transport funding to $20.8 billion over 2024-27.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said. “Funding under the new draft Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024 will enable a major boost to road maintenance, along with key critical new roading and public transport projects that New Zealanders want and deserve.”
The Government aims to pay for these projects through increased petrol taxes and road user charges.
The expressway between Hastings and Napier has been a subject of much frustration with local residents with logjams on the road a daily occurrence. It has also been a political football between Labour and National.
Before the 2020 election, the then National Government announced that it would upgrade the two-lane Expressway to four lanes as part of a package to upgrade Hawke’s Bay roads. However, the re-elected Jacinda Ardern Government dropped the project after the elections. It has remained a contentious issue for many locals who travel between Napier and Hastings for work each day.
Hawke’s Bay App understands that local MPs Anna Lorck (Tukituki) and Stuart Nash (Napier) have both being working behind the scenes to convince Transport Minister Parker to include the Hawke’s Bay Expressway upgrade as part of the transport plan.
In a joint statement today, Lorck and Nash welcomed the decision.
“Recent weather events across the Hawke’s Bay have highlighted the need for a resilient transport network,” said Nash.
Lorck said: “We’re focused on making sure we’re investing in the priorities of New Zealanders. To achieve our full potential as a country, we need fast progress on key transport infrastructure that will support our economic growth and improve productivity.”
“The roading network between Napier and Hastings is relied on for the region’s economic growth. Improving the capacity and connection between the two cities will improve resilience, productivity and efficiency of the network. The prioritisation of this is needed.”
Lorck said the project was able to proceed because the Government had secured the required land when it committed to building the first two-lane expressway between Hastings and Napier.
“That’s a huge advantage. I’m extremely pleased that I was able to play my part in getting the project to this stage. As the Local MP, I’ve been advocating directly to ministers on behalf of Hawke’s Bay, along with working with industry and supporting regional leaders calling for four-lanes to get our region moving ahead,” said Lorck.
In reaction, the Mayor of Hastings Sandra Hazlehurst welcomed “this important announcement”.
“A four-laned SH2 expressway from Ōmāhu Road to Taradale Road is an absolute priority for our region. Over the past six months since Cyclone Gabrielle struck we have experienced first-hand that the existing expressway was not able to cope with high volumes of traffic. “
“It is critical for Hawke’s Bay to have fit-for-purpose, resilient infrastructure to support our economy and the wellbeing of our region. For the region’s productivity and efficiency it’s vital for our ongoing success to have an efficient, reliable transport network to move our goods and produce across the region.”
“I look forward to joining the region’s other mayors and chair to celebrate this work commencing.”
Mark Hutchinson, the Labour candidate for Napier in the upcoming elections, said he was delighted with the news.
“Tukituki MP Anna Lorck and I have been advocating strongly for this necessary investment in what is a vital connection between the two cities.”
“Four-laning the expressway will be a win for our region’s economy and is a vital part of helping Hawke’s Bay build back better following Cyclone Gabrielle. It will not only reduce journey times for commuters and transport operators. It will also reduce emissions from vehicles idling in peak hour traffic, improve resiliency for our emergency services, and enable better, faster public transport services in the future.”
“National recently claimed they would four-lane the expressway but I view their uncosted promise with considerable scepticism, given they have twice previously failed to honour election promises to fund and deliver this project. When National closed Napier Hospital in 1998, it promised a resilient four-lane route between the two cities as part of its assurances that Napier residents would continue to have full access to health service. The project was not included in National’s 2009 Roads of National Significance policy until it was finally added in 2017 – an uncosted pre-election move, much like National’s recent announcement.”
Last month the National Party announced that it would upgrade the Hawke’s Bay Expressway to four lanes.
Catherine Wedd, the Tukituki candidate, said the announcement by her Party provides hope for the communities and businesses in Hawke’s Bay and will improve the resilience of the roading networks, unlocking certainty for the regions’ road transport operators.
“Upgrading the Hawke’s Bay Expressway will improve our region’s resilience and this commitment shows only a National Government will deliver for Hawke’s Bay,” said Wedd at the team.
Following her party’s announcement, Katie Nimon, the Napier candidate, said Hawke’s Bay needed a productive and resilient expressway to bring Napier and Hastings closer together and create a stronger economy.
“The gridlock on the expressway is also affecting our public transport system. We have one hospital, one police station, one sports park all shared by our two cities and we should be connected by a reliable efficient road.”
