The National NZ First coalition agreement states the government will, “Commit to building a four-lane highway alternative for the Brynderwyns and investigate the use of private finance to accelerate construction.”
Initial planning work for bypassing the 12.5km trouble spot was done in 2017 but shelved by Labour when it became the government. Two possible routes to the West were considered. The northern entrance to each would start at the Finlayson Brook Road intersection (by the Welcome to Waipu half-round barn). One route would reconnect at the Maungaturoto intersection, the other a further 3.6km South, just past Baldrock Road (by Absolute Concrete).
While civic leaders have applauded the announcement, the multi-million-dollar question is when will the groundwork commence. Committing is one thing – doing is another. No timeline has been provided at this stage. Whangarei’s Mayor, Vince Cocurullo, wants the job done within five years.
In July National announced it will deliver 13 new Roads of National Significance. They included Whangārei to Port Marsden and Warkworth to Wellsford, as part of a long-term vision to have a four-lane highway between Whangarei and Tauranga.
Let’s hope the commitments are tangible and progress sooner rather than later.
Source:
Brynderwyns four-lane highway plan - government commitment welcomed by leaders
