The Government’s announcement of a preferred route for the Brynderwyn Hills as part of the new Northland Expressway is a critical step forward in transforming the region’s route security and resilience, says the chair of the Northland Regional Transport Committee (RTC).
Commenting today on the announcement by Transport Minister, Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister, Shane Jones, RTC Chair, Joe Carr says he and his fellow committee members are thrilled by the announcement as a crucial move to address long-standing issues with the current Brynderwyn Hills route.
“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,” says Chair Carr.
“I want to acknowledge the Coalition Government for making the Brynderwyn Hills route a priority as part of the Northland Expressway.
“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.”
Today’s announcement of a preferred corridor for four-laning between Te Hana and Port Marsden Highway would see the Brynderwyn corridor shifted slightly to the east of its current route, said Chair Carr.
“This is a green-fields route, which would minimise traffic disruption during its construction,” he said.
“I want to also acknowledge the local engineers that have worked to help identify the new route through some really challenging terrain and variable geology, and who gave their time free of charge to help secure a more resilient transport network and help keep people and goods moving in Northland.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the preferred route confirmed in a few months’ time and this work getting under way as a matter of urgency.”
Minister Bishop said the Northland Expressway was “a genuinely transformational opportunity to boost jobs and growth in an area rich with potential and link Northland to New Zealand’s biggest city”.
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),” said Mr Bishop.
“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.
Minister 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,” he said.
“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 conduct 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, the Ministers said.
