Hawkes Bay Expressway

The Hawke’s Bay Expressway (HBX) Stage 1 Pre-implementation project is a major upgrade of State Highway 2 between Napier and Hastings, aiming to widen a 6km urban section from two to four lanes to enhance capacity, resilience, travel time reliability, and economic efficiency for the region.

Location

Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Client

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA)

Project Status

Completed

Project Overview: Hawke’s Bay Expressway (HBX)

The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) Hawke’s Bay Expressway (HBX) Pre-implementation project is a major upgrade of State Highway 2, the main transport corridor between Napier and Hastings. The project will widen a 6.5km “urban” section from two to four lanes, improving capacity, resilience, travel time reliability, and economic efficiency for the region. WSP was awarded the detailed design and construction management contract in March 2025, with construction commencing late 2025.

Client Brief

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) engaged WSP to deliver the detailed design for the Taradale Road to Links Road/ Pākōwhai Road section of the HBX upgrade. The brief included:

Completing technical assessments and resource consent applications.
Delivering a design that meets current and future transport needs, including resilience to seismic and flooding risks.
Stakeholder engagement support and integration of cultural and natural heritage into the design.
Ensuring the design is robust, cost-effective, and ready for procurement and construction.
Supporting NZTA with early contractor engagement and risk management.

Project Challenges

The project demanded innovative solutions under challenging conditions. From complex ground and seismic factors to tight timelines and technical uncertainties, success relied on careful planning and coordination. Key challenges included:

Geotechnical Complexity: Highly variable ground conditions and high seismicity required innovative design and extensive investigation.
Programme Pressure: Accelerated delivery schedule placed pressure on design, consenting, and procurement activities.
Technical Risks: Uncertainty around existing pavement suitability and service relocations posed cost and schedule risks.
Design Integration: Coordination with the future Links Road/ Pākōwhai Road intersection improvements, NZTA Commercial Vehicle Screening site development and other NZTA projects was essential to avoid rework and ensure seamless delivery.

Our Response

Our response focused on delivering smart, efficient solutions while managing risk and maintaining quality. Through technical innovation, proactive planning, and a commitment to value, our team ensured the project met its goals. Key elements included:

Technical Innovation: Developed tailored seismic resilience philosophies, eliminated ground improvements at bridge sites, and adopted alternative foundation solutions to reduce cost, risk, and programme duration.
Proactive Risk Management: Maintained a live risk register, held regular risk workshops, and worked closely with NZTA to identify, quantify, and mitigate risks. Notably, the removal of duplicate piles at Kennedy Road Overbridge saved significant time and cost.
Programme Management: Delivered key milestones on time, including all required consents, detailed design packages, and procurement documentation. Adapted the programme to accommodate Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) and market feedback.
Quality and Safety: Employed WSP’s Integrated Management System for document verification, peer review, and quality control, with no non-conformance reports raised. Issued a Sustainability Strategy and Carbon Baseline, integrated Safety in Design and Maintenance in Design, and maintained a strong health and safety record (zero incidents, near misses, or first aids reported).
Value for Money: The team fostered a focus on value for money from day one, challenging design assumptions and seeking efficiencies at every stage. Specific savings include eliminating ground improvements at all three bridge sites, optimizing foundation solutions, reducing service relocation requirements, and identifying opportunities such as the removal of basin liners - delivering significant cost and programme benefits for NZTA and the community.

Project Outcomes

The project delivered on its promises, achieving key milestones and setting a strong foundation for future works. Through effective planning and collaboration, we ensured compliance, reduced risk, and maximised value. Outcomes included:

Consents and Approvals: All necessary consents and approvals have been obtained.
Design Milestones: All design and procurement documentation milestones were achieved on time, including completion of mid-block detailed design and issuance of major structure packages.
Risk Reduction: Major risks around ground improvements, seismic resilience, and service relocations have been mitigated or managed, with cost and programme savings realized.
Cost and Programme: The project was delivered within budget and on schedule, with construction commencing November 2025.
Technical and Delivery Excellence: The project team’s approach has built local capability and set a strong foundation for the Links Road/ Pākōwhai Road intersection improvements and future projects.
Value for Money: The project has delivered measurable value for money, with specific examples such as the removal of duplicate piles at Kennedy Road Overbridge, elimination of ground improvements at all bridge sites, early procurement of long-lead items, and the removal of the basin liner - each contributing to accelerated delivery, minimized disruption, and reduced unnecessary expenditure.

Summary

The HBX project exemplifies technical excellence, disciplined project management, and a relentless focus on value for money in delivering a complex infrastructure upgrade. By prioritising innovation, risk mitigation, and cost efficiency from the outset, the team has overcome significant technical and programme challenges. With all major milestones achieved and construction imminent, the project is well-positioned to deliver lasting benefits for the Hawke’s Bay region.