Locals will soon benefit from significant improvements in their daily commutes as construction on the Penlink project continues to advance.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has released an aerial flyover video showcasing the project's progress towards the end of the earthworks season between April and May.

As winter approaches, the focus of the project team shifts from bulk earthworks to constructing structures and performing detailed earthworks in specific areas.

Penlink, a new seven-kilometre highway, will connect Whangaparāoa Road with State Highway 1 (SH1) at Redvale, providing a more resilient and efficient transport network.

The project promises numerous benefits, including enhanced safety, improved network reliability, and support for the growth of surrounding communities such as Silverdale and Milldale.

Additionally, Penlink aims to offer more sustainable transport options by including a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists between Whangaparāoa Road and East Coast Road.

The highway will feature two lanes, with provisions for future bus shoulder lanes on each side, and six bridges, including one crossing the Wēiti River.

Once completed, the road will be tolled.

According to NZTA, Penlink will not only make travel safer and more efficient but also bolster the transport network's resilience for the Whangaparāoa Peninsula.

By providing more options for sustainable transport, the highway will cater to the growing needs of the communities in Whangaparāoa, Silverdale, and the Hibiscus Coast, and support economic growth in the Auckland region.

With the project's completion anticipated in late 2026, locals can look forward to reduced travel times and more reliable commutes.

The new highway is expected to play a crucial role in accommodating the area's expanding population and fostering regional development.