Puhoi Motorway Upgrade Project
The new motorway is set to enhance safety, ensure more consistent travel times, and create a robust, reliable link between Auckland and Northland. This upgrade will also improve freight connections between Northland and the Upper North Island, fostering economic growth and accommodating population expansion.
The motorway will enhance connectivity between the rapidly growing northern Rodney area of Auckland and mitigate congestion in Warkworth by providing a bypass for through traffic. Truck travel times are anticipated to decrease significantly due to reduced grades and an improved road layout, allowing heavy vehicles to maintain higher average speeds.
Currently, SH1 between Pūhoi and Warkworth experiences an average daily traffic volume of approximately 20,000 vehicles. Traffic is projected to increase to over 31,000 vehicles per day within the next decade, with the new motorway absorbing a portion of this volume alongside the existing SH1.
Nikau's Role:
Nikau has been subcontracted for several key tasks, including:
- Demolition: Removal of concrete barriers and old structural signs.
- Crane Services: Deployment of a 250-tonne crane to assist in lifting the deck panels of the new bridge.
- Asbestos Cleanup: Conducting asbestos remediation in the old pā and swamp areas.
The project commenced in 2020 and is scheduled for completion by mid-2023.
