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Communities in Mahurangi were given the opportunity to view the latest stage of the 18.5km Puhoi to Warkworth motorway project last month.
The NZ Transport Agency put on display the Urban and Landscape Design Framework, which sets out how the $750 million highway will be integrated into the landscape.
The document was prepared in response to the designation conditions in the resource consents and require the project to integrate into the surrounding landscape and acknowledge of the cultural footprint of mana whenua. Other matters in the framework include bridge form, pedestrian and cycle connections on local roads, retaining walls and noise, entry features at Puhoi and Warkworth, spoil disposal, wildlife corridors, vegetation and riparian planting.
Residents and stakeholders have been given 20 days to provide comment on the framework.
At an information event in Puhoi, resident Steve Rowsell, was disappointed that NZTA staff were unable to provide any clarity on what the tolling arrangements on the new section of road would be. He was also concerned about the designation of the Puhoi off ramp.
Whangaparaoa resident Kevin McMillan, said that as far as he was concerned, the road couldn’t happen soon enough.
“I travel regularly to Whangarei and the north needs this highway. Warkworth will also benefit.”
Construction on the four-lane road, which will be built west of the existing highway, is expected to start late next year. About half of the 50 properties required along the route have been acquired.
