Northland expressway

According to an investment case prepared by the NZ Transport Agency, the new Northland Expressway will cut more than 30 minutes off the drive time between Te Hana and Whangārei and reduce deaths and serious injuries on State Highway 1 by 66%. The cost of the project is estimated to be between $15.3 billion and $18.3 billion.

The connection linking Whangarei to the existing northern motorway is being treated as three projects. Construction of the Warkworth to Te Hana section is expected to commence in late 2026 and continue through to early 2030.

The opening of the road link is likely to lead to a rapid increase in business and residential development along the roading corridor.  

While in opposition, Labour derisively called the Northland Expressway the "holiday highway" and criticised it as unnecessary. When Labour formed the government in 2017, it cancelled the project, despite appeals from Northland mayors to continue the work started under the previous National government. The 2023 coalition government reinstated the project and is progressing it through the fast-track process.

Photo credit: NZ Herald

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NZ Herald: New expressway to cut nearly 40 minutes off trip between Auckland and Whangārei, HERE >>>

NZTA:  HERE >>>