Latest news with #First-NationalCoalitionAgreement
1News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- 1News
New road over Brynderwyns preferred rather than bypass
The Government has revealed the "emerging preferred corridor" for the Northland Expressway with ministers looking to construct a new highway over the Brynderwyn Hills rather than bypassing them. The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has investigated options to replace the slip-prone section of State Highway 1 as part of the three-part Northland Expressway project - expected to be one of the country's most expensive infrastructure projects. Transport Minister Chris Bishop revealed this morning the route would travel through Warkworth east of State Highway 1, over the Brynderwyn Hills and through to Whangārei. "The Brynderwyn Hills is a very challenging section due to the steepness of terrain and quality of the geology." Bishop said NZTA considered alternative options to the west but following reassessment, found a "near east alignment close to SH1". "This is a more direct route with more predictable geology that can be managed through engineering design." The slip-prone section of State Highway 1 through the hills has been subject to ongoing closures following severe weather in early 2023. The highway was closed for around four months as NZTA repaired multiple slips. Over the Easter weekend, a landslip blocked part of the road as the upper North Island was slammed by heavy rain. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said the new expressway would better withstand severe weather and provide a more resilient transport network. "This transport infrastructure is a key point in the NZ First-National Coalition Agreement. "The Northland Corridor is a top priority for the Government and we are working quickly to deliver this vital connection to help Northland's economy grow and its communities thrive." Ministers expect to be able to confirm the preferred route in August or September this year after NZTA complete further investigation and design refinements. The Northland Regional Transport Committee has welcomed the announcement, calling it a "critical step" in transforming the region's route security and resilience. Chairperson Joe Carr said the committee was "thrilled" by the news. "Sorting out issues with the Brynderwyn Hills has been talked about for decades, and our Regional Transport Committee has been working for many years to support progress on a better corridor. "We don't want to see any more money put into detour routes - we want to see money spent on long-term solutions, so we're really pleased to see the government making real progress."
Scoop
22-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Northland Expressway: Emerging Preferred Corridor From Te Hana To Whangārei Announced
Press Release – New Zealand Government The Waikato Expressway delivered by the last National-led Government has been a game changer for the Waikato region. The Northland Expressway is a genuinely transformational opportunity to boost jobs and growth in an area rich with potential and link Northland … Minister of Transport Hon Shane Jones Minister for Regional Development Good progress continues to be made on the Northland Expressway, with the emerging preferred corridor for the Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway and the Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei Roads of National Significance now confirmed by NZTA, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say. 'The Waikato Expressway delivered by the last National-led Government has been a game changer for the Waikato region. The Northland Expressway is a genuinely transformational opportunity to boost jobs and growth in an area rich with potential and link Northland to New Zealand's biggest city,' Mr Bishop says. The Northland Expressway has been divided into three sections: Warkworth to Te Hana Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei The Warkworth to Te Hana section will be a 26km-long four-lane road, connected to the new Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway and is currently in procurement, following the announcements made at the NZ Infrastructure Investment Summit in March. 'Today NZTA is announcing the emerging preferred corridor from Te Hana to Whangārei, which will deliver a new four-lane, mainly grade-separated route that bypasses key pressure points on the current State Highway 1 (SH1). 'For Section 2, Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway, the emerging preferred corridor is a new route to the east of SH1 between Te Hana and the Brynderwyn Hills, near to the east of SH1 at the Brynderwyn Hills and to the west of SH1 between the Brynderwyn Hills and Port Marsden Highway. 'The Brynderwyn Hills is a very challenging section due to the steepness of terrain and quality of the geology. Alternative options in this location looked at western routes but following further investigation, NZTA has reassessed and found a near east alignment close to SH1. This is a more direct route with more predictable geology that can be managed through engineering design. 'For Section 3, Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei, the emerging preferred corridor is a new road near SH1 between Port Marsden Highway and State Highway 15 Loop Road and a widened SH1 corridor approaching urban Whangārei,' Mr Bishop says. Mr Jones says the recent bad weather, during which SH1 on the Brynderwyns was partly closed due to a slip, illustrated the urgency required to get work underway. 'The new expressway, which will be designed to better withstand severe weather, will provide a more resilient transport network, keeping people and goods moving and reduce travel time. 'This transport infrastructure is a key point in the New Zealand First-National Coalition Agreement. The Northland Corridor is a top priority for the Government and we are working quickly to deliver this vital connection to help Northland's economy grow and its communities thrive.' NZTA will be doing further investigation and design refinements and Ministers expect to be able to confirm the preferred route in August or September this year. This will provide landowners with greater certainty around any impact the project will have on their properties.
