SH1 Brynderwyn Hills recovery and enabling works

8 May 2024

Drone photo of Kauri Tree Corner slip

What’s been happening this week

In our last newsletter we let you know about the significant slip at Kauri Tree Corner (zone F) on Tuesday 30 April. At this time work at zone F was unfinished and was ongoing to stabilise this area, before the road was ready to be reopened. This setback has been disheartening, not just for our team but also for those eagerly awaiting the reopening of the Brynderwyn Hills.

The extent of the slip is evident from the images provided in this update. Our geotechnical assessments are ongoing to determine the best approach to stabilise the hillside, ensuring the safety of our repair efforts. Unfortunately, until these assessments are complete, we cannot provide a reopening timeline. We sincerely appreciate the support we've received so far, and we ask for your continued patience as we reassess the programme to determine the best course of action. We expect to resume earthworks at the top of the slope this week subject to confirmation by geotechnical experts that it is safe to do so. 

We are committed to reopening SH1 Brynderwyn Hills as soon as possible, ensuring a safe and reliable connection for Northland. This slip illustrates the crucial need to complete the recovery works as soon as possible. It's imperative for the safety of everyone that the site remains closed to the public while the works are underway, so a full closure is needed to move an additional 45, 000 to 55, 000 cubic metres of soil. 

We extend our gratitude to everyone for their patience and remind all road users to drive safely when travelling on the 3 detour routes - SH12/SH14, Paparoa Oakleigh Road, and Cove Road. Northland remains a great place to visit at any time of year.

Earlier this year, the Minister of Transport Hon Simeon Brown released the draft 2024 Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport which identified 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS). This includes an alternative to the SH1 Brynderwyn Hills, Whangarei to Port Marsden and Warkworth to Te Hana which will complement the already completed Pūhoi to Warkworth. These projects will reduce travel times, improve safety, boost capacity and economic growth and build greater resilience to this important connection between Auckland and Northland.

We have now released our NZTA proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 RoNS, including the Northland corridor as a priority, in the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP). You can read more in the SHIP including about the Northland corridor RoNS projects on our website here.

Minister Brown has confirmed that boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and it’s critical that we move at pace on the Roads of National Significance, getting people and freight where they need to go quickly and safely.

From the air

Drone photos and video taken help to show the extent of the slip from different angles. 

Check out some video footage here.

Drone photo taken directly above zone F

Drone photo of zone E and F (above) and zone E and F looking north (below)

Work continuing at other sites within the closure

While efforts are focused on determining next steps at Kauri Tree Corner, work continues on the remaining programme in the other zones including drainage, kerbing and pavement in preparation to lay asphalt on the newly created shoulders.

Asphalt being laid on a section of the newly created shoulder at zone C

Drainage nightworks in zone D (above) and map of closure zones (below).

Detour routes

During the SH1 Brynderwyn Hills closure we have 3 official detour routes available.

Northland is open and ready for visitors, with some detours taking from as little as 20 minutes difference (when travelling between Auckland and Whangarei). 

• Cove Road- suitable for light vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, cannot be used by trucks with trailers. 
• Paparoa Oakleigh Road- can be used by heavy vehicles, including trucks with trailers up to 50 tonnes.
• SH12/SH14- HPMV must use this route.

We are working closely with our partners at Northland Transportation Alliance (on behalf of Whangarei District Council and Kaipara District Council) to make sure the 2 local routes and the state highway route, are safe and as high quality as possible. 

You’ll see our crews out proactively monitoring the official routes and carrying out any emergency repairs. On the Cove Road route, you’ll also see crews manning the manual traffic light locations and checkpoints.  We ask you please use the official detours as these routes have been assessed as most suitable for detour traffic. While navigation systems may suggest alternative routes some of these local roads are unsealed, windy and narrow, and only suitable for local traffic.

More information

For more information on the SH1 Brynderwyn Hills project, contact us at northlandproject@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/brynderwyn-hills