The opening of the Penlinkhighway, delivered by the O Mahurangi Alliance,has been revised tolate 2029, around 12 months later than previouslyanticipated, due to challenging construction conditions affecting progress on theWēitiRiver Bridge.

TheWēitiRiver Bridge is the largest and most complex structure on the project and is critical to connecting the new highway to theWhangaparāoaPeninsula. Its construction has proven moretime consumingthan 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 ofWhangaparāoa.

“While good progress continues to be made on the road sections of the new highway,” saysRegional ManagerInfrastructure Delivery, Stephen Collett, “the bridge crossing theWēitiRiver is taking longer to complete thananticipated.

“The project is being delivered in an area with complex geology, including a history of slips and land movement. While this isnot uncommonfor major roading projects in NewZealand, 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. Weremaincommitted to delivering ahigh qualitynew state highway that will make a real difference, and we will continue to look for opportunities to safely accelerate delivery where possible,” says MrCollett.

Once completed, Penlinkwill provide a vital transport link for growing North Auckland communities. The new highway will offer an alternative route to theWhangaparāoaPeninsula, improve peak travel times by upto26 minutes, andreduce congestion at the SH1 Silverdale interchange.

Notes

• Penlinkwill betolledoncethe highway is fully completed and open.
• The original cost estimateof$830 millionis expected to increase due to programme delays. NZTA is currently assessing the cost impact.

About theWēitiRiver Bridge

• TheWēitiRiver Bridge willbe thelargest of six bridgesonthe new highway and involves highly specialised design and construction methods.
• Itslongspandesign 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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