SH1 upgrade talks

The upgrade of State Highway 1, between Puhoi and Wellsford, was the subject of a high level meeting in Wellsford on November 24.

The meeting was called by the NZ Transport Agency, which will spend just over $130 million on the pre-construction phase of the project over the next five years – $60 million on the investigation, consultation, consents and designation, and $70 million on land acquisition.

NZTA regional director for Auckland and Northland Wayne McDonald says a preferred route for the road should be available for public comment by the end of next year.
The meeting in Wellsford set-up a Political Liaison Group, which will provide feedback and share information with the project team. Members of the new group include representatives of Rodney, Kaipara and North Shore District Councils, and Auckland and Northland Regional Councils.

Mr McDonald said issues raised by elected representatives at the meeting included where future connections might be sited, views on how the road should get around Warkworth and discussion on possible major developments such as Omaha Park.
It is understood that the Warkworth bypass was given high priority.

The Liaison Group will met bi-monthly in Wellsford, with the next meeting scheduled for February.

PHOTO: Political heavyweights, from left, Northland Regional Council chairman Mark Farnsworth, Northland Regional Transport Committee chairman Cr John Bain, Rodney Mayor Penny Webster, North Shore City’s Cr Ken McKay, Whangarei Mayor Stan Semenoff, Kaipara Mayor Neil Tiller and Rodney’s Cr Grahame Powell.

Timeframes

Construction of the Puhoi to Warkworth section is expected to be completed within the 10 years – sooner if possible. The Warkworth to Wellsford section will be constructed after 2019. Consultation on route options is expected to take place towards the end of next year.