Construction has officially begun on the State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway, marking a major milestone as one of the first Roads of National Significance projects to reach the main works stage under the current government’s transport programme.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the project represents a significant step forward for the region’s infrastructure and economic development.
“This project is a major milestone for Hawke’s Bay and for our Government’s transport investment programme. It will improve resilience and productivity across the region, and is expected to create hundreds of jobs while under construction,” Bishop says.
The expressway forms part of more than $1 billion worth of road infrastructure being delivered across the Hawke’s Bay region in coming years, alongside the Waikare Gorge realignment project.
Project scope and timeline
The Hawke’s Bay Expressway corridor includes 7km of four-laning between Links Road/Pākōwhai Road and Taradale Road, along with significant infrastructure upgrades. The project features a duplicate two-lane overpass at Meeanee Road, a duplicate two-lane overpass at Kennedy Road, a duplicate two-lane bridge over Tutaekuri River, and a four-lane grade separated interchange at Links Road/Pākōwhai Road.
Initial construction will focus on the section between Taradale Road and Tutaekuri River bridge, with four-laning expected to be completed in 2028. Work on the new Meeanee Road overpass is planned to start in January 2026, followed by the Kennedy Road overpass in April 2026. Construction of the interchange at Links Road/Pākōwhai Road will begin in mid-2026 upon completion of detailed design.
Bishop says the expressway serves as a critical transport link for the region.
“The Roads of National Significance programme is about improving connections, improving productivity, and making daily life easier and more efficient. The Hawke’s Bay Expressway is a perfect example – it’s a lifeline route linking people to the regional hospital and airport, and a key part of the national freight corridor connecting central North Island with Napier Port,” he says.
Regional growth and capacity
The project addresses current congestion issues and prepares for significant population growth. Hawke’s Bay is expected to be home to more than 200,000 people by 2048, placing additional pressure on existing transport infrastructure.
“The Expressway is vital to Hawke’s Bay. It connects people between Napier and Hastings and is crucial for moving freight to and from the airport and the Napier Port,” Bishop says.
“But we also know the Expressway is congested and won’t be able to cope with the future predicted growth of the region.”
The minister says the construction phase itself will provide immediate economic benefits to the region, creating employment opportunities while building the foundation for long-term productivity improvements.
The entire project is scheduled for completion in December 2029.
