Public feedback open on tolling and speed proposals

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

At the same time, Waka Kotahi is asking for formal submissions on their proposal to reduce speed limits on sections of the existing State Highway 1 from Puhoi to north of Warkworth to make it safer for road users now and in the future.

The existing State Highway 1 will be the free alternative route if the new motorway is tolled.

While these are separate proposals, Waka Kotahi 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.

Tolling the new 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 proposed toll and method of payment would be consistent with the Northern Gateway toll road, which is currently $2.40 for light vehicles and $4.80 for heavy vehicles. There will be a separate toll for each section of motorway.

If the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway is tolled, people can choose to travel on the existing State Highway 1 instead which will be maintained as a free, safe alternative route.

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

Lower speed limits
Waka Kotahi 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.

The existing state highway has a high crash history and making it safer for all road users is a priority for Waka Kotahi.

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

§ Public consultation on the tolling and lower speed limit proposals will end on June 15. Find out more and make a formal submission at nzta.govt.nz/about-us/consultations/