Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is set to inaugurate the long-awaited Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway this morning.

With a staggering cost of $880 million, this motorway is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety for motorists travelling between Pūhoi and Warkworth.

The unveiling of the motorway will be followed by its gradual opening to traffic over the next few days, with the possibility of an early morning debut to minimise disruptions caused by heavy traffic.

Upon its official opening, the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway is expected to reduce travel time by approximately 11 minutes for drivers heading north.

It will replace the existing winding and predominantly single-lane road, addressing safety concerns and providing a more efficient and reliable transportation option for all road users.