AT and NZTA sign agreement to accelerate Matakana Link Road construction

Auckland Transport (AT) and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) have signed an agreement that will accelerate transport link works between Warkworth and the eastern communities as part of the Matakana Link Road project.

The Matakana Link is a new road north of Warkworth connecting State Highway (SH) 1 to initially Matakana road and eventually Sandspit road, Auckland, New Zealand.

The agreement aims to deliver the project ahead of schedule, while improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion around Warkworth’s Hill Street intersection.

Construction is set to begin in the second half of 2019 and the project is expected to be completed by 2022.

Auckland Transport Group manager for major projects Andrew Scoggins said: “With Warkworth expected to grow by an additional 7,900 new dwellings over the next 30 years, the Matakana Link Road will be a key road network improvement to help address existing and future travel needs of the community.”

As per the agreement terms, the Transport Agency will be providing early funding for construction of the Matakana Link Road project, in case Auckland Transport does not have adequate funds.

Upon completion, Matakana Link Road will connect Matakana Road and State Highway 1 (SH1), just south of the intersection with the Transport Agency’s Ara Tuhono Puhoi to Warkworth highway.

NZ Transport Agency Auckland and Northland Highway manager Brett Gliddon said: “Over the years the Warkworth community has told us that Matakana Link Road is a priority for them.

"We’re grateful for their ongoing support while we work with Auckland Transport to speed up the delivery of this important transport link.”

AT seeks to complete development of detailed business case, gather feedback on the proposal from the public and identify the preferred option in 2017.

Additionally, it expects to complete the detailed design by 2018 and complete the construction procurement process by early 2019.