Progress on the Hope Bypass has taken a step forward, with a contract now awarded for the project’s detailed design.
Engineering consultancies Stantec and WSP have been selected to lead the next phase, which includes technical design work and securing statutory approvals ahead of construction.
Richard Osborne, regional manager system design, says the contract award is a “significant milestone” for the project.
“We received high-quality tender submissions from multiple consultancies. Each firm invested significant time and effort in preparing their proposals, making the contract decision a challenging one.
“We are excited to partner with Stantec and WSP to deliver this next phase of the project.”
He says specialist assessments and investigations, such as geotechnical investigations and noise assessments, will form a key part of this stage. NZTA/Waka Kotahi and contractors will also progress other statutory requirements needed for construction during this design phase.
“We are aiming to start specialist assessments in March 2026, with detailed design completed by mid-2027,” Richard says.
“It is a significant programme of work to complete and finalise designs for both Stages 1 and 2, covering the sections between SH6 and Link Rd, through to SH60 Appleby Highway and SH6 Gladstone Rd intersection.”
He acknowledges the high level of public interest in the project and thanks all those in the community who attended project drop-in sessions in November last year.
“We received valuable information from landowners, businesses and the community during this engagement that will be incorporated into this phase of work. We will continue to update the community through our project e-newsletters and website, and we will be in contact with directly impacted landowners, residents, and businesses as we work through different investigations and assessments.”
Another round of community drop-in sessions will be held in late 2026 to share the detailed design with the public.
Construction timeframes for the project are still to be finalised and are dependent on the outcome of the Government‘s prioritisation process for the wider Roads of National Significance programme.
The investment case proposes a two-staged implementation approach:
Stage 1: A new grade separated interchange on SH6 at Salisbury Rd extension (local road over), upgrading the Richmond Deviation from a 2-lane road to 4 lanes, widening Lower Queen St and Gladstone Rd to accommodate an additional right turn lane and signalising the intersection of Lower Queen St and Stratford St.
Stage 2: New 4-lane grade separated interchange at Lower Queen St, 4-lane Richmond bypass, new 2-lane roundabout at SH60 intersection. The project will retain cycleway routes and connections. The designation between SH60/Gladstone Rd intersection out to Eden Rd in Hope is to be retained for future development.
