Friday 20 August 2021

Early planning work underway for NZ Upgrade Programme’s new Northland package

Kia ora,

A couple of months have now passed since the Government announced changes to the Whangārei to Port Marsden Highway four-laning project.

As you may know, the Government has instructed Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to implement a new option that focuses on safety improvements along the existing state highway between Whangārei and Port Marsden Highway, and the construction of a new rail link to Northport (lead by KiwiRail).

The new ‘Northland package’ aims to support Northland’s economic growth, improve supply chain resilience, reduce emissions and improve road safety.

While we are still at the very early stages of planning for this project and it will take us time to work through the next steps, we wanted to give you an update on where we’re at and what we’ll be working on in the coming months.

We acknowledge the stress and uncertainty felt by landowners and the community in recent months and want to thank you for your patience as we work through these changes.

For more information on the Government's decision, please see our website.

What are the next steps for the Northland package?

Waka Kotahi and KiwiRail are currently working together to further develop the Northland package for consideration by ministers.

This includes confirming the scope, costs and timelines for the projects, as well as carrying out economic analysis.

On State Highway 1 we are investigating upgrades to help people get where they need to go safely. Being considered are installation of centre median barriers, roadside barriers, wide centrelines, intersection improvements and provisions for walking and cycling.

The significant work already completed for the four-laning project will inform this development work.

At this very early stage in project development we don’t have all the answers but expect to engage with communities on safety improvements between Whangārei and Port Marsden Highway before the end of this year.

What happens to the Whangārei to Port Marsden Highway four-laning project?

The Whangārei to Port Marsden Highway four-laning project will not continue as part of the NZ Upgrade Programme.

Waka Kotahi recognises State Highway 1 as a strategic route and further changes in the future will likely be required to meet the demands of the region.

Any future changes will require funding to complete a detailed business case before proceeding to route protection (land designation and consents).

Route protection is an important part of project development as it provides certainty for affected landowners and wider communities.

Securing land designation and consents also ensures Waka Kotahi is ready to construct the route when it is required and when funding is available.
At this point we are unable to confir

a timeframe for securing funding via the National Land Transport Fund to progress the project through to route protection and it is unlikely this will occur within the next three years.

As we had not progressed to confirming a preferred corridor or route protection, we’re unable to confirm the extent of any possible property impacts.

More information

For more information on the SH1 Whangārei to Port Marsden Highway project, contact us at W2PMH@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/w2pmh