Transport Minister Michael Wood.
Photo: RNZ

The new highway being built between Whangaparaoa Peninsula and State Highway 1 north of Auckland will be a toll road.

The O Mahurangi Penlink project is due to be completed in 2026.

Transport Minister Michael Wood said the new road will reduce travel times to North Auckland by 20 minutes during peak hours. A shared path will be provided for walking and cycling.

Wood said the road would “mostly serve specific communities”, so the fairest option to fund its ongoing maintenance was through a toll. Money raised via the toll would “only be used to maintain this road”.

“The government recognises the importance of this transport corridor and funded the construction through $8.7 billion of capital investment from the New Zealand Upgrade Programme.”

Of that, O Mahurangi Penlink is expected to cost $830 million.

“However, beyond the government’s upfront investment the road will cost $3 million each year to maintain,” Wood said.

The initial toll for a light vehicle that passes through both tolling points will be $3 during peak congestion periods, and $2 at other times. Heavy vehicles would pay double that.

They were going to be higher at peak times, but Wood said community feedback saw that lowered.

There will be two toll cameras – one near SH1, and the other just east of the Weiti Bridge.

“Travel between four other access points on Penlink will remain untolled to ensure there is a free route for vehicles that have no alternative but to use Penlink.”