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The government is expecting “multiple bids” to construct the Warkworth to Te Hana section of the Northern Expressway, after opening registrations of interest at its Infrastructure Investment Summit in Auckland last Thursday, March 13.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said there had been “big international interest” in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the four-lane road.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis said she understood there would be multiple contract bids for the road, which will include an 850m-long twin-bore tunnel in the Dome Valley.
Interested parties include large Italian-based multinational infrastructure construction specialist Webuild Group.
Registered bidders will be invited to submit a formal Expression of Interest, followed by a Request for Proposal from up to three shortlisted parties mid-year, with a preferred bidder expected to be announced early next year and the PPP contract finalised by mid-2026.
Detailed design and construction is expected to start in late 2026 and be finished around 2034.
Ministers have said the Northland Expressway is expected to make use of Fast-track legislation, as well changes to the Public Works Act for critical infrastructure announced recently.
