The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has announced a proposed route for a new road between Warkworth and Wellsford. The agency says it will make travelling between Northland and Auckland safer, faster and easier.
NZTA Northland Director Ernst Zollner says building an off-line motorway completely separate from the existing State Highway 1 will improve safety, reduce congestion and support Northland’s economic growth.
“Removing sharp bends, providing better passing opportunities and a dual carriageway to separate north and southbound traffic will improve safety and is predicted to reduce the fatal and serious injury crash rate by 80% through this area.”
Zollner says the motorway will also benefit local road users because 90% of regional traffic can avoid townships, making their main streets safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
The proposed route
The proposed route is located to the west of the Dome Forest. It will provide a reliable alternate route to the existing State Highway 1, which is susceptible to flooding, slips and ongoing repairs.
The route ties into the area's local road network. It joins the Pūhoi to Warkworth section of motorway near Kaipara Flats Road. It will then travel on the western side of the Dome Valley until it reaches the Hoteo River where it will cross eastwards over the existing SH1 to an interchange proposed at Wayby Valley Road in Wellsford. Another motorway interchange is proposed near Mangawhai Road, with the motorway then meeting the existing State Highway 1 north of Vipond Road.
The Ara Tūhono Pūhoi to Wellsford Road of National Significance
The Warkworth to Wellsford section is the second stage of the Ara Tūhono Pūhoi to Wellsford Road of National Significance. This road will run for approximately 38 kilometres through the Rodney area.
The route is being established to support the Northland economy by connecting communities and moving freight efficiently.
Have your say
You can give your feedback on the proposed route to help refine it. If the route is confirmed it will be taken forward for consenting and route protection by 2018.
Comments and feedback can be made on the NZTA website or by visiting one of the five public information days.
- Warkworth Masonic Hall, Baxter Street, Warkworth, Saturday 18 Feb 11am-3pm
- Wellsford District Community Centre, Matheson Road, Wellsford, Tuesday 21 Feb 3pm-7pm
- Warkworth Masonic Hall, Baxter Street, Warkworth, Thursday 23 Feb 3pm-7pm
- Wellsford District Community Centre, Matheson Road, Wellsford, Saturday 25 Feb 11am-3pm
- Te Hana Hall, Whakapirau Road, Te Hana, Tuesday 28 Feb 3pm-7pm
