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The public has until April 15 to have its say on whether the new Warkworth to Te Hana stretch of State Highway 1 should be tolled.
Warkworth to Te Hana will connect to the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway and is the second stage of the Ara Tūhono project, which opened in 2023.
The new 26 kilometre, four-lane route will start at Warkworth and continue north to rejoin State Highway 1, near Waimanu Road in Te Hana.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is proposing two tolling points (or gantries) – one to the north of Wellsford and one to the south, at the future Wayby Valley interchange.
The proposed toll price for travelling the full length (those who pass through both toll points) is $4.50 for light vehicles and $9 for heavy vehicles.
Consultation material includes details on the potential toll rates for light and heavy vehicles, as well as expected travel time savings for drivers and freight vehicles.
After public feedback, submissions will be summarised, providing insights into the level of community support for the proposed tolling scheme.
NZTA national manager system design Jess Andrew says this first section of the Northland Corridor will be delivered as a Public Private Partnership (PPP).
“Any tolling revenue will contribute to the annual amount we need to pay the PPP following the opening of the motorway. It will free up money in the National Land Transport Fund to invest in other important transport infrastructure projects.”
The Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 (GPS) introduces a new expectation for NZTA to consider tolling to support the construction and maintenance of all new roads, including the Roads of National Significance. Revenue from tolling must be used for costs associated with the new road from which it is collected.
Have your say here: nzta.govt.nz/w2thtolling
