The opening of the Penlink highway, delivered by the O Mahurangi Alliance, has been revised to late 2029, around 12 months later than previously anticipated, due to challenging construction conditions affecting progress on the Wēiti River Bridge. 

The Wēiti River Bridge is the largest and most complex structure on the project and is critical to connecting the new highway to the Whangaparāoa Peninsula. Its construction has proven more time consuming than expected due to the complexity of the construction, difficult ground conditions, and constrained site access. 

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) acknowledges the delay will be frustrating for North Aucklanders, particularly residents of Whangaparāoa. 

“While good progress continues to be made on the road sections of the new highway,” says Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Stephen Collett, “the bridge crossing the Wēiti River is taking longer to complete than anticipated. 

“The project is being delivered in an area with complex geology, including a history of slips and land movement. While this is not uncommon for major roading projects in New Zealand, it has added to the challenges of constructing the largest of the project’s six bridges.

“The highway has been designed and is being constructed with these conditions in mind, so that it provides a safe and resilient route for the future. 

“The forecast completion of the new highway is late 2029. We remain committed to delivering a high quality new state highway that will make a real difference, and we will continue to look for opportunities to safely accelerate delivery where possible,” says Mr Collett. 

Once completed, Penlink will provide a vital transport link for growing North Auckland communities. The new highway will offer an alternative route to the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, improve peak travel times by up to 26 minutes, and reduce congestion at the SH1 Silverdale interchange. 

Notes

• Penlink will be tolled once the highway is fully completed and open.
• The original cost estimate of $830 million is expected to increase due to programme delays. NZTA is currently assessing the cost impact.

About the Wēiti River Bridge 

• The Wēiti River Bridge will be the largest of six bridges on the new highway and involves highly specialised design and construction methods.
• Its longspan design minimises the number of piers, reducing impacts on the river environment and keeping the channel clear for boats and river users.
• The bridge is designed to carry utilities, including power and water, with provision for a future wastewater main.

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