My Account
This photo was taken on the Penlink route during a drone survey by Waka Kotahi last year.
Government funding of Penlink is in place, however the delay in getting started and the vastly increased costs (HM April 21) have angered supporters of the project.
Construction of the road and bridge linking Whangaparāoa Peninsula with the northern motorway at Redvale was to begin towards the end of this year.
However, last week, following pressure from Hibiscus Matters, Waka Kotahi/NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) confirmed that the new expected date for the start of construction is the end of next year.
NZTA’s infrastructure delivery national manager, Andy Thackwray, told the paper the 12 month delay is because of Covid-19, the time needed to develop plans for delivery, the procurement process, detailed design work and to allow for public feedback on the draft design.
He puts the cost rise – from $411m to $830m – down to factors such as increased property prices and construction costs and meeting improved road standards.
A total of $167m has been allowed for contingencies, to protect the environment and cope with risks.
“The footprint spans a unique landscape and waterway which presents risks,” Thackwray says. “The land has a wide range of highly valued flora and fauna and, in places, poor ground conditions. So, there are numerous risks from these complexities and challenges which could potentially add significant cost.”
In addition, the original Auckland Transport (AT) design included a partial cycleway between Whangaparāoa Rd and Stillwater, whereas the revised scope includes a full shared-use path from East Coast Rd to Whangaparāoa Rd.
None of that washes with Janet Fitzgerald.
“I am annoyed that Penlink has been delayed yet another year,” she says. “While I am very grateful that this Government has budgeted for Penlink to finally be built, I am extremely angry and let down by the delay that must be adding unnecessary costs. On behalf of Penlink Now I will be approaching the Minister of Transport and giving him a clear message that we must get Penlink moving.”
More detailed cost estimates and a timeline for completion of Penlink may not be made public until the tender process is complete. Shortlisted candidates will soon begin this process.
Roadworks on the way
Geotechnical investigations for Penlink begin on local roads this month. NZTA says traffic management will be in place on some roads in Stillwater and Whangaparāoa but it will aim to keep disruptions to a minimum. • The investigations will take place between 7.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. • Works affecting the Cedar Reserve side of Whangaparāoa Rd (opposite New World), between Brightside Rd and Beverley Rd, are scheduled for October 22-November 1. • Drivers are encouraged to check the website ahead of time to prepare for any delays: www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/penlink
