Penlink is coming

After a long history the Government’s investment in the NZ Upgrade Programme means Waka Kotahi can now finalise plans for the construction of Penlink to begin in late 2021.

Waka Kotahi is getting on with building the 7km state highway, helping grow North Auckland and allowing more reliable access to wider Auckland.

The upgrade programme provides funding for a two-lane tolled road with a separated shared path.  Waka Kotahi is currently reviewing the design, to ensure the outcomes for Penlink can be successfully delivered.  We will update the community as the review progresses.

Penlink will take congestion pressure off the Silverdale interchange, Hibiscus Coast Highway and the Whangaparāoa Peninsula.  The new transport link will also provide greater capacity, supporting planned growth in Silverdale, Wainui, Dairy Flat and the wider Hibiscus Coast in the next three decades.

Starting our journey together

Investigations into an alternative access to the Whangaparāoa Peninsula started in the 1990s and the route has been in the District Plan since 2001.  Auckland Transport (AT) recognised the need to accelerate Penlink due to faster than expected growth and development planned around the Silverdale interchange, securing consents for the corridor so it was almost ready for construction.

Waka Kotahi was asked by the Government to deliver Penlink and we will build on AT’s work so we can start construction next year.  We are looking carefully at the history of the project - particularly the important feedback already provided to AT by partners, stakeholders and the community over the years.

Continued engagement with our partners, stakeholders, local communities and businesses is key to the successful delivery of Penlink.  We will continue to be in touch with you and provide you with more information as we move forward as well as opportunities to let us know what you think and how we can work together. 

We look forward to working with you as we deliver this long-awaited transport connection.

More reliable journeys

The $411 million investment from the NZ Upgrade Programme for this project will link Whangaparāoa Peninsula to the Northern Motorway (SH1) at Redvale.  This link will include a new interchange overbridge with south-facing ramps to access Auckland.

Penlink will open access to new residential and employment areas, help build greater resilience into the transport system and provide locals with more choice on how they move around their communities, and connect with family, friends and services.

Providing better access and more reliable journeys for those living in the region, the new two-lane, tolled state highway will reduce transport pressures, supporting growth in the north of Auckland where the population is expected to grow by about 106,000 during the next 30 years and where more than 21,000 jobs will be created.

Penlink will also support improved public transport, making it quicker to use the Northern Busway.  The planned extension of the Northern Busway north of Albany will mean passengers on bus services travelling from Whangaparāoa to Auckland CBD will enjoy improved, more reliable journeys.

A separated, shared walking and cycling pathway adjacent to the new state highway will provide travel choice for those living or visiting the peninsula.

NZ Upgrade Programme

The New Zealand Upgrade Programme is investing $6.8 billion to save lives, get our cities moving and boost productivity in the country’s growth areas.

Penlink contributes to this commitment by providing safer travel, reliable journey times and boosting economic development.

Proposed timline

More information

You can find out more about Penlink and subscribe to e-updates at www.nzta.govt.nz/penlink.

You can also contact us at penlink@nzta.govt.nz or 0800 PENLINK (0800 7365 465).

We look forward to this exciting journey with you.