Investment in Auckland’s land transport system of a forecast $7.2 billion during the 2021–24 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) period will focus on continuing to deliver the Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) to support population growth and the development of new communities with better access to more sustainable travel choice.
Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland NLTP 2022 update
It wasn’t just spades that were out as Minister Michael Wood, MP Marja Lubeck, Albany Ward Councillors, Waka Kotahi officials and iwi partners Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngaati Whanaunga and Te Kawerau a Maki turned the first sod (hurihia te whenua) for O Mahurangi – Penlink.
Construction is progressing well on Stage 1A of the project at the Papakura end, with the new Park Estate Road bridge nearing completion. Elsewhere, northbound and southbound motorway widening continues, as does work on retaining walls, the new Beach Road southbound on-ramp, and three replacement motorway bridges across the railway at Drury Interchange.
O Mahurangi – Penlink will form a vital transport link in north Auckland as more and more people live and work in Silverdale, Whangaparāoa and the Hibiscus Coast. Enabling works started in January 2023 with main construction due to start in October 2023. It will provide a safe, reliable route for people on foot, bike or in a vehicle.
The first, southern, stage of Ara Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth was opened in May 2022. Waka Kotahi, NX2 and Fletcher/Acciona are working to complete the project as soon as possible, with the opening the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway this year. Based on current progress we anticipate that NX2 and their subcontractor Fletcher/Acciona will be in a position to open the road in the second quarter of 2023. The 18.5-kilometre motorway will provide a safer, more resilient and reliable route for motorists travelling between Auckland and Northland.
Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth
Ngā Hau Māngere provides an important strategic walking and cycling connection across the Manukau Harbour and opened to the community in August 2022.
Ngā Hau Māngere – Old Māngere Bridge replacement project
Direct SH1 and SH18 motorway to motorway links which complete the Western Ring Route and provide a more reliable journey time for the movement of people and goods around the Auckland region opened in the first few months of 2023. Nearly 10km of shared paths provide travel options for how people get around and the final section adjacent to SH1 which extends from Constellation Station to Oteha Valley Road is due to open in the second quarter of 2023.
Opened in May 2022,section two of this shared path bridges the gap between two already opened sections of the pathway. It provides 5kms of the 7kms route, with just the final section to be constructed between Ōrākei Basin and Tāmaki Drive. Section 4 between Ōrākei Basin and Tāmaki Drive is currently under construction with a boardwalk connecting the path between Purewa Bridge and Whakatakataka Reserve currently going through the consenting process.
Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive shared path
A project to improve safety and efficiency for road users on the stretch of SH16 between Brigham Creek and Waimauku. Stage 1 (Huapai to Waimauku) is due to start construction mid-2023. Stage 2 (Brigham Creek to Kumeū) is progressing, and detailed design is completed. We have now lodged consent information with Auckland Council to seek the necessary approvals to construct the project. The consent information includes a Notice of Requirement to alter the existing designations along SH16, and regional consent applications.
SH16 Brigham Creek to Waimauku
In May 2022, a new roundabout at the SH22/Glenbrook Road intersection was completed, a significant safety improvement.
The project will provide more reliable journeys and more transport choices through additional lanes, walking and bike paths, and capacity for future bus lanes – making it easy for people to reach the planned Drury Central rail station and new housing developments, and reducing car dependence. Signalised intersections will improve safety and a new bridge over the North Island Main Trunk Line will enable the Papakura to Pukekohe rail line electrification – providing faster, quieter, cleaner and more reliable connections for communities and businesses.
SH22 has a high volume of traffic moving between the SH1 interchange and the urban areas of Pukekohe, Glenbrook and Paeraataa. This project will increase journey reliability, improve safety and provide more transport choices through additional lanes, signalised intersections and walking and bike paths, and will connect people to the planned Drury West rail station and new housing developments. The existing Ngaakooroa Stream bridge will be replaced with a new, higher bridge to better connect to the Drury Interchange upgrade and to increase resilience to flooding and future climate change effects.
The Eastern Busway is being delivered by Auckland Transport and is about creating more lifestyle and climate-friendly travel options for the growing East Auckland community. The Panmure to Pakuranga section of the Eastern Busway opened last year. The next stage from Pakuranga to Botany will complete a 7km busway with separate walking and cycling facilities and is due to begin construction in quarter two of 2023.
The Strand Optimisation Project is the first to be delivered as part of the Auckland Network Optimisation Programme. The project runs along The Strand between Alten Road and Tamaki Drive. This project aims to improve travel choices, efficiency and safety for all users as well as supporting the longer-term City Centre Masterplan which is being delivered by Auckland Council. The project has identified the need for special vehicle lanes, a shared user path separate to the road and overall safety improvements. Following current engagement with key stakeholders, we will seek community feedback to further inform the design.
The Waitematā Harbour Connections project will provide for a fully multi-modal solution for people wanting to walk, cycle, take the bus, travel by light rail, drive, or transport freight across the Waitematā Harbour, connecting people to transport options across the region and beyond.
Maintenance activity undertaken during 2021/22:
Maintenance infographic for 2021/22 [JPG, 1.1 MB]
Planned maintenance for 2022/23:
Maintenance infographic for 2022/23 [PNG, 135 KB]
Everyone should get to where they’re going safely whether they’re walking, cycling, driving, motorcycling or using public transport. Speed is the single biggest factor that determines the severity of a crash outcome. Even when speed doesn’t cause a crash, it’s what will most likely determine whether anyone is killed, injured, or walks away unharmed from that crash. As part of our efforts to save lives and prevent serious injuries, we are reviewing speed limits in the region.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency sought feedback on its speed management plan for state highways. Submissions closed on 12 December 2022. A decision report will be available mid-2023.
![Maintenance infographic for 2021/22 [JPG, 1.1 MB]](/assets/About-us/img/regional-updates/maintenance-graphics/maintenance-infographic-auckland-2021-22.jpg){kind=link}
![Maintenance infographic for 2022/23 [PNG, 135 KB]](/assets/About-us/img/regional-updates/maintenance-graphics/maintenance-infographic-auckland-2022-23.png){kind=link}