Source: Northland Regional Council
The Northland Regional Transport Committee (RTC) has welcomed the Government’s announcement that a public-private partnership agreement has been signed to deliver the Warkworth to Te Hana section of the Northland Expressway.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced a Project Agreement had been signed this week between the Crown and the Northway consortium, with detailed design, site mobilisation and early construction works are expected to begin in the coming months.
Over its life, benefits of the expressway are expected to include 145 fewer deaths and serious injuries and travel time savings of seven to 10 minutes per vehicle.
Joe Carr, Chair of the RTC, today (subs: Fri 31 July) acknowledged the unanimous and strong support of all four Northland councils and all our Members of Parliament for the route.
He says the announcement marks an important milestone for Northland and a major step toward improving safety and resilience on the region’s key transport corridor.
“The committee has consistently advocated for safer, more reliable and more resilient transport connections between Northland and Auckland, and we’re pleased to see this project moving from planning into delivery.”
The work will include a new 26-kilometre, four-lane expressway with grade-separated interchanges at Warkworth, Wellsford and Te Hana.
Cr Carr says Northland’s transport network is critical to the movement of people, freight and essential services.
“Strong transport links are fundamental to Northland’s economic growth and prosperity. They support our businesses, connect our communities and help ensure goods can move efficiently to markets.”
“This project will improve resilience on one of the country’s most important transport corridors and provide greater confidence for Northland residents, visitors and freight operators.”
“We acknowledge the Government’s commitment to progressing this project and look forward to seeing work get underway.”