The Coalition Government is expediting the construction of a four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei.

This project, part of the Roads of National Significance programme, is set to enhance economic growth in Northland by improving transport connections, says Transport Minister Simeon Brown.

“For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections between Northland and the rest of the country has been a handbrake on the region’s economic development.

The last Government’s decision to stop planning for a replacement to the Brynderwyns has left Northland more vulnerable and requires a significant amount of work to get this project back on track,” Mr Brown says.

The Government has endorsed an accelerated delivery strategy enabling the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to efficiently execute the project.

The strategy involves a public-private partnership model, which will integrate planning, procurement, design, and construction across the entire roading corridor.

“Delivering a programme as large and complex as this at pace requires a significant shift in delivery approach. An accelerated delivery strategy developed by NZTA includes a progressive public-private partnership model that will achieve efficiencies and innovation in planning, procurement, design, and construction across the entire roading corridor between Auckland and Whangārei,” Mr Brown explains.

This corridor approach is expected to cut down multiple procurement processes and provide integrated design and construction, potentially completing the project up to 10 years sooner than traditional methods.

The Government is also considering legislative changes to speed up the project’s delivery.

This could involve modifications to the Public Works Act to streamline processes.

The Northland Expressway is anticipated to be one of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure undertakings.

Funding, financing, and innovative delivery tools are being explored to ensure timely completion.

Last year, a report by NZIER commissioned by the Northland Corporate Group highlighted that the Warkworth to Wellsford section alone could boost New Zealand’s GDP by $497 million annually.

Once finished, the expressway will offer a reliable and efficient link between Northland and Auckland, promoting economic growth and productivity in the region.

“For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections between Northland and the rest of the country has been a handbrake on the region’s economic development,” Mr Brown reiterates.