Motorway toll proposal unveiled

Mahurangi motorists could find themselves paying $4.80 to drive to Auckland on the new motorway when it opens late next year.

The Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) is proposing the new road be tolled at $2.40 for light vehicles and $4.80 for heavy vehicles.

The existing toll on the Northern Gateway ($2.40 for light vehicles and $4.80 for heavy vehicles) would be retained. Each section would be tolled separately, which means a round trip to Auckland could cost $9.60.

An NZTA spokesperson says Waka Kotahi contracted NX2 in a Public Private Partnership to construct the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway.

“While the NX2 private-sector consortium is responsible for financing, designing, building, maintaining and operating the motorway for up to 25 years, the motorway will remain a public asset. Tolling revenue will pay for the construction and maintenance costs.”

The existing State Highway 1 will be maintained as a free alternative route.

The new Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi 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.

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