O Mahurangi project update

29 August 2025

Flyover video for July 2025

Video flyover

Check out our latest flyover video! You can view it by clicking here or on the image.

You can watch the video in high definition by increasing the video quality to 1080p or higher under the "settings" button in the bottom right corner. You can also adjust the speed to view at your preferred pace.

Duck Creek Road overbridge which will be excavated underneath to form the new highway

What's happening in September

State Highway 1 and Ara Weiti Road

Earthworks continue alongside State Highway 1 as we shape the off-ramp on the western side. 

Along Ara Wēiti Road we continue to test the pavement layers, from subgrade to basecourse. At Link Road 1 the bridge is taking shape with the foundation and retaining wall nearing completion and the concrete bridge abutment works starting, as well as drainage installation. 

Stillwater

Throughout September we will begin pavement construction and installing roadside safety barriers as well as soil nails for back stabilisation. 

From mid-September the traffic light controlled single lane section will be extended as we construct the new interchange connection. As part of the traffic management, vehicles will move onto the original Duck Creek Road alignment and onto the new overbridge. 

Down at the Wēiti River Bridge later this month, river users will notice a temporary pedestrian bridge to allow our team more efficient access to Pier 4. All river users wishing to use the navigable gap must call VHF CH73 at least 30 minutes prior to any passage. 

Concrete pours continue for river Piers 3 and 4, whilst at Pier 1 we will install an access tower and construct the diasphragm for the superstructure.

Whangaparāoa 

On the corner of Cedar Terrace and Whangaparāoa Road we are starting earthworks and bank stabilisation as well as wider drainage works. The retaining wall will remain for now to provide a safe barrier for pedestrians. 

Where the future Beverley Road intersection will be, we are installing a temporary footpath as we realign the current Whangaparāoa Road slip lane. 

Render looking towards Whangaparaoa of the future Duck Creel Road connection

Recent questions

Thank you to all who came down to see us at our Stillwater community information drop-in last month, we will hold one in Whangaparāoa later this year. Below are some of the questions we received.

What is happening at the East Coast Road (ECR) overbridge?

We had originally planned to complete the ECR overbridge this winter. However, the ground is taking longer to settle than anticipated. Before we can begin construction of the bridge deck, the ground must sufficiently settle to ensure it is stable to build on.

To achieve this, we’re applying a technique known as pre-loading, which involves placing temporary weight on the ground to accelerate this settlement. This process compresses the earth, reducing future movement and creating a stable foundation for the bridge.

Will the road be tolled?

Yes, in December the government confirmed that the road will be tolled. You can read the announcement by clicking here.

What is the toll price?

Post-consultation, it was proposed that there would be 2 toll points along the route with an end-to-end toll rate of $3 peak and $2 off-peak for light vehicles. For the full rates please click here. 

Are buses exempt from paying the toll?

Public transport buses operating scheduled services that are specified in the Auckland Regional Public Transport Plan will be exempt from the toll.  

You can find out more on tolling by clicking here.

When will the road be opened?

The road is expected to be opened as a whole in 2028. 

Is there still a cycle lane along the route?

Yes, there is a shared walking and cycling path on the southern-side of the route. It will be sealed between Whangaparāoa and Stillwater and gravel from Stillwater to East Coast Road. It is planned to link into a wider network in the future. 

Can you get on and off at Stillwater?

Yes, the connection to and from Stillwater allows you to travel both east and west along the route. Duck Creek Road will cross the new route via an overbridge so there will be 2 routes in and out of the township.

The crane can be seen towering over the permanent bridge works

The superstructure has started

People in Stillwater and parts of Whangaparāoa will now see the 65-metre tall tower crane helping to build the future Wēiti River bridge as part of the O Mahurangi project.

The crane is one of the largest in New Zealand, with a 75-metre boom and the ability to lift loads of up to 50 tonnes at a 22-metre radius.

It was safely erected over one weekend using a 400-tonne mobile crane, with additional support from a 90-tonne mobile crane. Now testing has been completed, its first job is to support the construction of the permanent deck sections of the bridge at Pier 1.

Wendy Weng and Hannah Giess at the NAWIC awards

NAWIC celebrations

Each year the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) holds its Excellence Awards. This year two of our team made it through as finalists. 

Wendy Weng, is one of our geotechnical engineers in the CPS team. Her role sees her working with the constructors to optimise the design and ensure the safety of the new road. Wendy was the overall winner in the Rising Star - Office category!

Hannah Giess is our Environmental Manager, leading the team who ensure we look after the environment during construction. It's a diverse role from designing sediment retention ponds, undertaking fish survey to monitoring noise, Hannah is always busy. Hannah was a finalist in the Outstanding Leader of the Year - Site category. 

Congratulations to all the finalists. 

More information

For more information on the O Mahurangi project, contact us at omahurangi@nzta.govt.nz or by calling 0800 7365 465.

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