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Whāngarei to Te Hana re-evaluation complete

24 October 2018

We are writing to update you on the work which has now been completed to re-evaluate the Whāngarei to Te Hana programme to align it with the new priorities set out in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS).

The Government has a new vision for our land transport focusing on safety, access, the environment and value for money. The NZ Transport Agency supports the government priorities by investing in projects which provide transport choices and improve walking, cycling and public transport facilities.

The NZ Transport Agency Board has now endorsed the general approach for future plans for this corridor. This prioritises the Government’s vision for a safer transport network free of death and injury, accessible and affordable transport, value for money and reduced emissions.

Outcome of the re-evaluation

The plans deliver short term safety improvements and more reliable access on the existing state highway while we continue to plan and protect land for a new route in the long term.

To begin with we will deliver short term safety improvements between Whāngarei and Port Marsden Highway (SH15) to make it safer, such as roadside barriers, median barriers, centre line widening and improved road marking. We will work with our Council partners to support land use development and enable greater transport choices within the existing corridor. This could include priority public transport lanes in the urban section of SH1.

At the same time we will future proof for a new route between Whāngarei and SH15. This creates a total of four lanes on the corridor. Land will be designated for a future transport corridor to be built on a better alignment and to a high safety standard. The construction timing and the form of the new route will be dependent on growth and on the prioritisation of projects across the country.

Safety improvements are planned for the existing road between Port Marsden Highway (SH15) and Te Hana which will include side barriers, median barriers, centre lane widening and intersection upgrades.

To improve resilience we will upgrade existing alternative routes around the Brynderwyn Hills and will investigate and protect a new route where appropriate, with construction timing based on national priorities.

Safety improvements are already underway through the Dome Valley and we will continue work to protect a new future route between Warkworth and Wellsford. This means we will still have the ability to construct in these designations when the timing is right but at this stage this won’t be progressed before 2030.

Next steps

In December, once the re-evaluations for all 12 corridors across the country are complete, we will consider in more detail the exact plans and timing for these projects including available funding.

We appreciate your patience while we have carried out this important work and recognise the frustration that uncertainty can bring. We have been working as quickly as we can to align with new government priorities and provide the best outcomes and value for money for future communities.

 

Kind regards,

Whāngarei to Te Hana Project Team

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More information

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For more information on the Whāngārei to Te Hana project, contact us at W2TH@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/w2th

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