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A start on a four lane motorway from Warkworth to the Mangawhai turnoff, just north of Te Hana, is still at least a decade away, according to Waka Kotahi regional manager (Auckland/Northland) system design Randhir Karma.
The new 26km transport corridor will be completely separate from the existing state highway, and will travel west of the Dome Valley before crossing eastwards over SH1, near Wayby Valley Road, bypassing both Wellsford and Te Hana townships.
Karma says that while there are funds available for early property purchases, Waka Kotahi has not yet allocated any construction funding for the project.
“As a start on the project is still at least a decade away, no decision has been made on the contract model for the project either,” Karma says.
Auckland Council granted resource consents for earthworks, vegetation removal, structures and associated temporary works around watercourses and wetlands, diversion of streams and ground water, discharge to air, and stormwater management including the on-going stormwater discharge from the road surface, subject to conditions, in March 2021.
Key components of the project include a four lane dual carriageway, three interchanges, 850-metre twin bore tunnels under Kraack Road, a viaduct over the existing SH1 and Hoteo River, a bridge over Maeneene Stream, a series of cut and fills across the project area and changes to local roads.
The appeal periods for resource consents and Notice of Requirement have closed, and a small number of appeals have been filed.
Karma says discussions are continuing with the one remaining submitter in an effort to resolve the remaining appeal.
“Once the Environment Court process has concluded, Waka Kotahi will provide further information on the outcome of this process.”
About 1348 hectares will be affected by the new motorway, involving 205 land parcels (including local roads).
Waka Kotahi says the new road will provide a safe and resilient link connecting Northland communities and economy to the rest of New Zealand.
If delivered in a single stage, it will take five to seven years to complete.
