The NZ Transport Agency is asking people to have their say on a proposal to toll the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway when it opens.

At the same time, the NZTA is asking for formal submissions on its proposal to reduce speed limits on sections of the existing SH1 from Puhoi to north of Warkworth to make it safer for road users now and in the future.

The existing SH1 will be the free alternative route if the new motorway is tolled, says NZTA director of regional relationships Steve Mutton.

“We want to be clear with people that while these are separate proposals, NZTA is running the consultations in parallel to ensure people understand the full picture of plans for the area and they can consider the speed review and tolling proposals together and give more informed feedback.”

Public consultation on the tolling and lower speed limit proposals will open on 15 May and end on 15 June.

Tolling the new Puhoi to Warkworth motorway

The new Puhoi to Warkworth motorway will extend the four-lane Northern Motorway (SH1) 18.5km from the Johnstones Hill tunnels to just north of Warkworth. It will connect to the Northern Gateway section of SH1 south of the Johnstones Hills Tunnels, which is already tolled.

The new motorway will be separated and will vastly improve the safety, connectivity and resilience of the network between Northland and Auckland, helping to boost the economic potential of the Northland region.

The NZTA contracted NX2 in a public-private partnership to construct the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway. While the NX2 private-sector consortium is responsible for financing, designing, building, maintaining and operating the motorway for up to 25 years, the motorway will remain a public asset. Tolling revenue will pay for the construction and maintenance costs.

Lower speed limits

The NZTA is also seeking formal public submissions on reducing the speed limits on sections of the current State Highway between Puhoi and L Phillips Road (Sheepworld), north of Warkworth.

In October 2019 the NZTA received feedback from the local community, its partners, organisations and road users regarding how they feel about the current speed limits on this section of the state highway. This feedback has been considered and the NZTA has used these insights along with its technical analysis and is now formally consulting on proposed speed limit changes for this road. 

Public consultation

The NZTA consultation processes usually provide various opportunities for face-to-face engagement. However, due to the restrictions associated with Covid-19, it will take a careful approach to its public engagement, and provide online opportunities for feedback.

Public consultation on both the motorway tolling and speed limits proposal is open from 15 May until 15 June.

Find out more and how to make a formal submission here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/about-us/consultations/

The motorway is scheduled to open at the end of 2021, but this may be delayed by the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.