Warkworth gets northern access - Puhoi gets none

Video: A 3D simulation of how the route would look and a video outlining the process of developing the route.

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The proposed route of a new four-lane highway, between Puhoi and Warkworth, will run to the west of the current highway, does not include an access for Puhoi and places the Warkworth access in the vicinity of Kaipara Flats Road.

The indicative route was released at a press conference in Auckland yesterday (November 17).

Surprisingly, the announcement did not include the route from Warkworth to Wellsford.

NZ Transport Authority Auckland/Northland director Stephen Town said there were a number of geological challenges with unstable ground around the Dome Valley and Wellsford that required further investigation.

Project manager Brett Gliddon said the delay was a tough decision and would mean that consultation on that section was unlikely to occur for a further six to 12 months.

The indicative route for the 18-km stretch of new road, leaves the present highway at the northern entrance of the Johnstone Hill tunnels. It goes between the existing road and Puhoi township, and then veers well west of the existing road skirting Pohuehue Reserve, Genesis Aquaculture, the Woodcocks Road industrial area and rejoining the present SH1 near the Kaipara Flats Road intersection.

No tunnels are planned along the route, which traverses 55 private properties, including two large forestry blocks.

Mr Gliddon says some landholders have only just learned of the project, while others knew it was on the cards.

“We know there will be some opposition,” he said.

NZTA has prepared maps for landowners whose properties are crossed by the indicative route. Mr Town said it was possible that the route might mover off their properties or require more or less land as a result of consultation and further studies.

A total of $75 million has been set aside for land acquisition over the total project.

The $1.65 billion project is expected to reduce the travelling time between Warkworth and Puhoi by five to seven minutes. The target starting date for construction is 2014.

Consultation on the proposed route will take place over the next two weeks (see consultation timetable). However, NZTA said further meetings would be held if required. Submissions must be received by January 28.

Transport Minister Steve Joyce says when finished, the new road will bring significant benefits to the Northland and Rodney districts, as well as to Auckland.

“The Puhoi to Wellsford corridor has been identified as one of our most essential state highway routes to reduce congestion, improve safety and support economic growth in our largest city and points north,” he says.

The benefits will include:
• enhanced inter regional and national economic growth and productivity
• improved movement of freight, which is expected to double between Auckland and Northland over the next 10 years
• improved the connectivity between key growth areas in the north Rodney area

Related story: Highway bypasses Warkworth
Related information: Consultation timetable
Related story: Northland Regional Council welcomes highway progress