Have your say on the Twin Coast Discovery Route rest areas and passing opportunities business cases

Passing and overtaking opportunities

Safety is a top priority and a lack of safe passing and overtaking opportunities is identified as a problem along the Twin Coast Discovery Route. Investigations will include looking at more passing and overtaking opportunities, safe turning zones and improved journey experience for a range of road users. These could include, wider shoulders and wider bays which are designed to support the needs of commercial operators such as tourist coaches and heavy haulage vehicles.

Rest area and truck stop opportunities

The primary purpose of rest areas is somewhere you can park safely, get out of or off your vehicle, and refresh before continuing your journey. Rest areas are an important safety feature for the state highway network and the project team is currently looking at additional rest areas along the Twin Coast Discovery Route that may help influence journey planning, by integrating with the natural beauty and cultural heritage attractions that contribute to Northland’s reputation as a visitor destination.

Have your say

We have assessed the Northland highway network and the rest area and passing opportunities have been placed on an interactive map for communities to view online and provide their feedback.

We now invite you to view the options identified on the map and provide your feedback. We are keen to hear any concerns you may have and whether we have missed anything that should be included.

Click here to submit your feedback today. Feedback closes at 5pm on Monday 30 September.

If you have any trouble accessing the interactive map, have any questions please email the project team on: northlandproject@nzta.govt.nz

The Twin Coast Discovery Route business cases

The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is an 800km circular touring route which includes both the east and west coasts of Northland, connecting key tourist attractions and communities.

Work in 2016–2017 identified improvements to the route to help grow Northland’s economy, through safer, reliable and accessible journeys and an enhanced visitor experience.

This year the NZ Tranport Agency has been progressing seven business cases for improvements to the Twin Coast Discovery Route.

These are:

1. Passing and overtaking opportunities- online consultaton underway now

2. Rest Areas and Stopping Places - online consultation underway now

3. Northland Integrated Cycle Plan - complete and available to view here

4. Township Improvements Plans - consultation complete, currently being finalised

5. Wayfinding Impementation Plan - complete and available to view here

6. SH11 Kawakawa to SH10 Puketona - consultation complete, currently being finalised

7. SH12 Rawene to Kaitui Road - consultation complete, currently being finalised.

These business cases have been funded through the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF). PGF funding for the Twin Coast Discovery Route is for the development of the business cases only and projects will require further funding for implementation.

More information

For more information on the Twin Coast Discovery project, contact us at northlandproject@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/twin-coast-discovery