Speed and urgency needed on Auckland to Whangarei SH1 upgrade

The urgent upgrade now underway of SH1 between Puhoi and Wellsford as a Road of National Significance (RON) needs to be extended all the way to Whangarei, says National Road Carriers member Daron Turner.

He was addressing the Northland Regional Transport Committee today on the National Road Carriers submission to the draft 30-year Northland Transport Strategy.

“The freight industry has strongly supported the Puhoi to Wellsford section as a Road of National Significance – or RONS - and are encouraged at the urgency NZTA are giving the project,” said Mr Turner.

“However, most freight and other traffic along the route doesn’t have Wellsford as its destination.
The Puhoi to Wellsford RONS only makes economic sense if it is quickly continued for the full route to Whangarei. “

A 4-lane highway for the full route between Whangarei and Auckland bypassing congestion points along the way such as Warkworth should be the outcome we need to focus on achieving with speed and urgency.

He suggested a joint advocacy campaign to central Government by Northland’s economic interests be formed to press for this outcome.

The trend to larger and more fuel efficient freight vehicles and the door-to-door advantages offered by road freight would continue to give road freight between Auckland and Whangarei a competitive edge over rail and coastal shipping options for most freight, he predicted.

There was every sign that road freight task would continue to be a critical economic life line for Northland for the foreseeable future. “Accordingly, it makes huge practical economic sense to ensure the best possible road infrastructure is provided.”

Given Northland’s increasing attractiveness as an overseas tourist mecca and holiday destination for Aucklanders, a safe and efficient Auckland to Whangarei road corridor would become more critical to the social and economic well-being of the entire region in future years, said Mr Turner.

The National Road Carrier submission also highlighted the importance of ensuring the highway network was made as safe as possible by including provision for passing lanes, lay-bys and visitor stops – and also footpaths and cycleways - along strategic points.

ENDS

© Scoop Media