In the bustling world of construction, the Penlink project has been forging ahead, providing a vital transport connection for the Whangaparāoa Peninsula and surrounding areas.

As the year draws to a close, the dedicated team behind the initiative is gearing up for a well-deserved holiday break, set to commence on Friday, 22 December 2023, and conclude on Monday, 8 January 2024.

Amidst the holiday festivities, intermittent inspections will be carried out by the staff to ensure the project's integrity.

It's a crucial reminder to the public that the project area remains a construction zone laden with potential hazards, warranting restricted access at all times.

The Penlink project unfolds as a 7km transport lifeline, seamlessly connecting the Whangaparāoa Peninsula to SH1 at Redvale.

Among its key features are a separate shared path for pedestrians and cyclists, south-facing ramps to SH1, and a new bridge spanning the Wēiti River.

This undertaking signifies a pivotal step in providing residents of north Auckland with diverse travel options, promoting climate-friendly outcomes through enhanced transport capacity and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

Watch the latest Penlink flyover video below.

Projections indicate substantial growth in areas such as the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, Wēiti, Orewa, Silverdale, and their environs.

With around 15,000 new homes slated for development in Silverdale-Dairy Flat over the next 30 years, the two-lane connection of Penlink is poised to accommodate the evolving needs of existing residents and future housing developments.

The project is strategically aligned to support planned development, provide varied travel choices, enhance transport services, and foster a more coordinated transport network in north Auckland.

As the year progressed, significant milestones were achieved at various project locations.

Notable accomplishments include the completion of a new site access track at Top Road, stormwater and service relocation works at State Highway 1 / East Coast Road, and the construction of a haul road at Ara Wēiti Road.

In Stillwater, the groundwork for the temporary staging on the western side of the river and the construction of stability piles for the western bridge abutment was diligently executed.

Meanwhile, in Whangaparāoa, ecology checks, tree clearing, and stormwater drainage line installations marked critical progress.