M2PP Expressway, Kapiti NZ

Completion Date:

February 2017

Project Details:

The Mackays to Peka Peka (M2PP) Expressway is a landmark infrastructure project located on the Kāpiti Coast, north of Wellington. Completed in 2017, it represents one of the most significant roading developments in the region’s history, forming a key section of the Wellington Northern Corridor.

Project Overview:

The M2PP project involved the construction of an 18km, four-lane expressway that bypasses the town centers of Paraparaumu and Waikanae. The project was a massive engineering undertaking that included:

18 New Bridges: Including a major 180-meter bridge over the Waikanae River.
Interchanges: Four major interchanges providing local access at Poplar Avenue, Kāpiti Road, Te Moana Road, and Peka Peka.
Shared Pathways: A dedicated 16km path for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders running alongside the expressway.
Environmental Integration: Extensive landscaping and the creation of new wetlands to manage stormwater and enhance local biodiversity.

Regional Importance:

The M2PP Expressway is vital to the Wellington region for several reasons:

Safety: Since its opening, the route has seen a 62% reduction in deaths and serious injuries, significantly improving the safety profile of the northern gateway to the capital.
Resilience and Reliability: Before the expressway, the old State Highway 1 was a notorious bottleneck prone to closures from accidents. The M2PP provides a more resilient route that ensures safe, efficient, and reliable access to and from Wellington City.
Economic Growth: By reducing travel times and improving freight efficiency, the expressway supports residential and business growth throughout the Kāpiti Coast and the wider Wellington region.
Community Connectivity: By moving through-traffic and heavy freight off local roads, it has “returned” the local streets to the community, making town centers quieter and safer for residents.

Key Products Used:

Project Partners:

McKays to Peka Peka Alliance

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