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Whangaparāoa’s first Penlink-related roadworks began this month and more are to come.
The NZ Transport Agency, Waka Kotahi (NZTA) began investigating underground services on this end of the Penlink route on October 18 and those works should be complete this week. It includes stop/go traffic management at Cedar Terrace, Beverley Road and Wiriana Place (in the vicinity of New World supermarket), most of which took place overnight.
Next come geotechnical investigations – these begin next month and run almost through to Christmas (November 12-December 22).
This will bring out the heavy machinery, including drilling rigs, and small teams to take samples.
Boreholes will be made in Cedar Reserve (opposite New World) and also on the berm on the supermarket side of the road.
Cars travelling along this part of Whangaparāoa Rd will be halted in around 10 minute bursts via stop/go signals. NZTA says this will take place around eight times over five weeks.
Vipond Road is an alternative route around the affected area.
Work will also take place in Stillwater, around Duck Creek Road area – the timing of the Stillwater work is still to be confirmed.
Drivers are encouraged to check the website ahead of time to prepare for any delays:
www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/penlink
Toll road consultation
• NZTA is assessing the suitability of Penlink for tolling, and the public will be able to make submissions during the process. • Long time Penlink advocate, local board member Janet Fitzgerald says while she supports tolling for the construction of Penlink, she is concerned that NZTA is stating tolling will also pay for maintenance, when we already have a fuel tax. “If the community is concerned, they need to submit,” she says. • NZTA’s assessment work began last year, and it says findings will be available on its website ‘soon’. It is unable to provide an exact timeframe when that information will be made public. • The report will include assessment of the risks and benefits of tolling Penlink. • NZTA will then ask for approval from the Minister of Transport to undertake public consultation about tolling Penlink. • The Minister has the final say regarding tolling – as happened with the Puhoi to Warkworth highway.
