SH1 access stirs Puhoi opinion

The impacts of the proposed State Highway 1 upgrade, between Puhoi and Wellsford, will be discussed at a community meeting in Puhoi on Wednesday, July 21.

The Puhoi Community Forum is convening the meeting, which will be held in the Community Hall, starting at 7.30pm.

Representatives of Rodney District Council and Auckland Regional Council have been invited to attend.

Facilitator Kelvin Bradford says that although the SH1 project was raised at this month’s forum meeting on July 7, when NZ Transport Agency staff were present, there had not been enough time to discuss the issue in full.

The NZTA has already indicated that it is not considering building an interchange at Puhoi. Residents of Puhoi, Waiwera and Mahurangi West will be expected to use the existing state highway, and access the new motorway either at Warkworth or Orewa.

Acting regional director for Auckland and Northland Tommy Parker told a meeting in Warkworth that access points at Wellsford and Warkworth were chosen based on growth strategies, prepared by Rodney District Council and the Auckland Regional Council.

Photo: Managing director of Wharehines Steve Dodd (right) says there are merits to putting the Warkworth inter-change to the north of the town. Also pictured is NZTA boss Tommy Parker.

Published: 13/07/10