Brynderwyn alternative even more critical after Te Hana expressway deal

Northland’s economic development and tourism agency, Northland NZ, is hailing the government’s public-private partnership deal that enables the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway to go ahead, as a win for the region’s businesses and communities.

However, Northland NZ CEO, Paul Linton, says the deal for this section of the Northland Corridor makes it even more critical for a timeline to be confirmed for progressing the route further north, that will bypass the Brynderwyn Hills. The Brynderwyn Hills are part of the State Highway 1 network but the road is vulnerable to slips and closes frequently, due to safety concerns.

“Having a reliable and resilient transport network that links our northernmost region to the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand makes undeniable economic sense. Not only will it allow greater accessibility to Northland’s natural assets and highly skilled workforce but the impact will be massive on the opportunities the works bring to the region for businesses, workers, and suppliers of goods and services.”

The 100km-long Northland Corridor will connect Auckland to Northland and is made up of several sections. The alternative route to the Brynderwyn Hills runs for 17km between Kaiwaka and Waipū.

Earlier this month, the government announced that five of its Roads of National Significance had been placed on a ‘future pipeline’. Two sections of the Northland Corridor were included – from Te Hana to Port Marsden and Port Marsden to Whangārei.

The government said the planned alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills had not been put in this ‘slow lane’ and was being prioritised with route protection work and the resource consent process continuing, but specific construction start and completion dates remain unconfirmed.

The $3.6 billion contract between Waka Kotahi NZTA and the consortium led by Spanish infrastructure builder Acciona was signed yesterday (30 July) and will enable a four-lane expressway between Warkworth and Te Hana.

Paul Linton says the consortium has been engaging strongly with local companies and the economic development agency looks forward to working with them as they roll out the project.

“Northland is one of the closest supplier networks to the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway works, and Northland NZ will be working to link the consortium with local companies who have been positioning themselves to be ready for this project.”

Works on the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway are expected to begin as soon as next month with the opening date pegged for 2033. The project includes 15 bridges, two underpasses, 12 wetland stormwater treatment basins, and twin tunnels about 1km underneath Kraack Hill above the Dome Valley. Tolling may take place on the road once it opens.