Highway bypasses Woodcocks Rd

Under the indicative route released by the NZ Transport Agency yesterday (November 17), the next access on SH1 after Orewa, travelling north, will be Warkworth.

The access will be sited north of the town, near Kaipara Flats Road.

NZ Transport Authority Auckland/Northland director Stephen Town says the location will provide easy use for local residents and visitors.

It will provide access to the Woodcocks Road industrial area and Stockyard Falls via Auckland Council’s planned western collector.

“This could be enhanced with a potential new link road from the bypass to Hudson Road,” he said. “It also provides for a Matakana link road. However, these will need to be discussed further with Auckland Council.”

Mr Town says a northern access will shift traffic away from Hill Street, improving its operation, and increases in traffic on Woodcocks Road around Mahurangi College and on Hill Street will be avoided.

Mr Town said planned improvements to Hill Street, due to start around March/April next year, will go ahead as scheduled.

On the lack of access for Puhoi and Mahurangi West communities, Mr Town said NZTA would talk with Auckland Council on its growth projections for the area, as Council develops its Auckland Plan.

“We are still in the investigation phase and there is still plenty of time before a decision is required.”

Related story: Warkworth gets northern access - Puhoi gets none
Comment: Has NZTA got the route right? Have your say on Local Matters
Related information: Consultation timetable