Transport Minister Michael Wood has announced the decision to toll O Mahurangi Penlink ‘to futureproof’ the connection in Auckland’s transport network.
O Mahurangi – Penlink will cross over East Coast Road and connect to SH1 with a new interchange, including south facing ramps. The interchange will allow for future land development in the Wēiti area. This aligns with the Supporting Growth Programme. The corridor will connect to Whangaparāoa Road at Beverley Road with a new signalised intersection. The corridor then crosses the Wēiti River on a new bridge. The corridor is just north of Stillwater with a new connection for the community. The corridor then continues towards SH1 south by Ara Weiti Road. The corridor traverses both existing developed areas and greenfield areas.
‘O Mahurangi Penlink is more than just a road, it is a vital connection for north Auckland, linking the Whangaparāoa Peninsula with the wider Auckland region,’ said Wood in a press release today.
‘The road will not simply support the surrounding community through more lanes for cars, it will provide safer and more sustainable transport choices – becoming a key public transport route while also promoting walking and cycling on a separated shared path.’
Wood estimates the new road will cut travel time by 20 minutes during peak traffic time.
‘The road will mostly serve specific communities, and so the Government has decided the fairest option is for drivers who will use the road to contribute through its ongoing maintenance costs through tolls.
‘By using a tolling model the community can be assured the road will be maintained to a high level as there will be guaranteed income that will only be used to maintain this road.’
The initial toll for a light vehicle that passes through both tolling points will be $3 during peak congestion periods and $2 during interpeak periods. Heavy vehicles will pay double this rate. Public transport operators and cyclists will not be tolled.
Toll camera points will be installed at two locations, one near State Highway 1 and the other just east of the Weiti Bridge.
