NZTA's revocation works – Old SH1
Now that NZ Transport Authority – Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has completed the Peka Peka to Ōtaki section of the Kāpiti Expressway, they're upgrading Old State Highway 1 (SH1) before transferring responsibility of it over to Council. This is known as "revocation," and we'll be responsible for the road's ownership and maintenance when it becomes a local road.
The changes NZTA are making will make the road fit for purpose as a local road, and more suitable for community use rather than prioritising through-traffic.
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Image: Map shows the five stages of planned work by NZTA to upgrade the old highway through the retail section in Ōtaki's business precinct. See larger image [PNG 244 KB].
Progress update
Updated 9 June 2025
Wastewater upgrade
This project involves installing a new wastewater pipe to improve the capacity and resilience of the local wastewater network.
Recent progress
On Aotaki Street, the trench has been excavated up to near Rangatira Street. Road resurfacing up to the active work area has been completed.
On Mill Road, the trench has been excavated up to near Ōtaki Glen Road.
What’s next
On Aotaki Street, more road resurfacing will take place as weather permits.
The Aotaki Road team plans to carry out one day of investigation work on Aotaki Street between Rangatira Street and Raukawa Street on Wednesday 11 June (weather permitting). This will involve some traffic management set up, including on the roundabout.
The crew is preparing to install the wastewater pipe across the Mill Road/Aotaki Street roundabout. The roundabout will be closed at times during this stage of works. We will share more details and timings about this stage very soon.
On Mill Road, road surfacing will also take place if weather permits. Trenching is due to reach close to Millhaven Place.
Laterals (pipes connecting to homes) are being installed on both roads with footpaths being repaired as required.
Revocation works
NZTA is upgrading old State Highway 1 before handing it over to Council to manage. The changes will make the road more suitable for community use rather than prioritising through-traffic.
Recent progress
Work continues at Riverbank Road where traffic lights are being installed. On the eastern side of the road, preparations for the new footpath have progressed and the conduits for the traffic lights have been installed. Some conduits have also been installed on the western side of the road.
Our contractor has started work on the retail section and has set up on the corner of Waerenga Road and at the other end of the shops near the roundabout. Potholing to locate existing services is taking place at the northern end of the site.
What’s next
At the northern end, service locating will continue prior to the demolition of the footpath and kerb and channel in preparation for construction of the new layout.
At the Waerenga Road intersection, service locating will take place, before the existing footpaths and kerb and channel are demolished to make way for the new intersection layout.
More conduits will be installed on the western side of the old highway near Riverbank Road.