Trucking companies that operate in Northland are breathing a sigh of relief that State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyn Hills is now temporarily reopen in both directions.
The road opened on March 31 for the first time since it was struck by Cyclone Gabrielle last month causing major slip damage. The freight industry says the disruption caused by the closure highlights the importance of having an alternative route between Auckland and Northland.
Following the cyclone, Northland Civil Defence issued a ban on truck and trailer units using an alternate route which bypassed the closed SH1 slip-damaged road. However, some truck and trailer units continued to use the alternate Waipu Cove to Mangawhai Road route and this included a large freight truck which got into difficulties and blocked the the stretch of road.
National Road Carriers Association (NRC) commercial transport specialist Paula Rogers says Northland members are very appreciative that the road across the Brynderwyn Hills is opening earlier than expected.
“The closure of State Highway 1 at the Brynderwyns has severely impacted the industry in terms of cost, time and productivity.
“NRC and our members support the planned closure in April because it is paramount remaining works are completed quickly. Otherwise, with winter on its way, we could see another lengthy closure.
“An alternative route urgently needs to be put back on the table. The route through the Brynderwyns has served road users well for the past 50 plus years but with increased freight and passenger traffic between Auckland and Whangarei it is now not fit for purpose,” Rogers says.
