An indicative route for the Warkworth to Wellsford section of the Ara Tūhono Pūhoi to Wellsford Road of National Significance is being published by the New Zealand Transport Agency.
The location of the new motorway, to the west of the Dome Forest, will provide a reliable alternate route between Northland and Auckland.
“Building an off-line motorway, completely separate from the existing State Highway 1 will improve safety, reduce congestion and support Northland’s economic growth,” says NZTA Northland director Ernst Zollner.
“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.”
The indicative route ties into the local road network helping to connect local communities.
It joins the Pūhoi to Warkworth section of the 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.
“Once the motorway is complete, travel will also be safer for local road users because 90% of regional traffic, especially heavy traffic, can avoid townships making their main streets safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists,” says Zollner.
NZTA is sharing the indicative route with the public for their feedback which will help further refine the route. Once it is confirmed, it will be taken forward for consenting and protection by 2018.
More information about the project is available on the NZTA website from February 18, and comments and feedback can be made at nzta.govt.nz/Warkworth-Wellsford
Five public information days will also occur at the following times and locations:
Warkworth Masonic Hall
Baxter Street, Warkworth
Saturday 18 Feb 11-3pm
Wellsford District Community Centre
Matheson Road, Wellsford
Tuesday 21 Feb 3-7pm
Warkworth Masonic Hall
Baxter Street, Warkworth
Thursday 23 Feb 3-7pm
Wellsford District Community Centre
Matheson Road, Wellsford
Saturday 25 Feb 11-3pm
Te Hana Hall
Whakapirau Road, Te Hana
Tuesday 28 Feb 3-7pm
