Downer EDI Ltd. has announced a significant development in the Ōtaki to North of Levin (Ō2NL) Road of National Significance project, with construction contracts now signed and on-site activities ramping up for a spring start. The project, advancing under two alliance contracts, aims to enhance safety, reduce travel times, and improve connectivity in the Kāpiti and Horowhenua regions. Downer, in collaboration with McConnell Dowell, Beca, and Tonkin+Taylor, will be working on the southern section of the 24km highway. The new four-lane corridor is set to bypass congested town centres, remove heavy vehicles from local roads, and potentially save up to 15 minutes on northbound journeys. This infrastructure project is expected to open before the end of 2029 and promises to support urban development and transport resilience in the lower North Island.