New Zealand's first electronic toll road - the Northern Gateway Toll Road on SH1 north of Auckland - has opened two months ahead of schedule.
New Zealand’s first electronic toll road – the Northern Gateway Toll Road on SH1 north of Auckland – has opened two months ahead of schedule.
The NZ Transport Agency removed barriers just after midnight clearing the way for motorists to use the 7.5km section of highway between Orewa and Puhoi.
To encourage and promote use of the new road, NZTA has exempted vehicles using the new road from the obligation to pay tolls today [Sunday] and tomorrow [Monday 26 January).
The NZ Transport Agency is expecting heavy traffic today and tomorrow.
“We will be using radio as well as roadside electronic message signs to help make sure people keep moving,” said Wayne McDonald, the NZTA’s Regional Director for Auckland/Northland.
Motorists can also use other routes along SH16 and the Hibiscus Coast Highway.
The Northern Gateway Toll Road provides motorists with a safer and more direct route between Auckland and Northland. As well as bypassing the narrow and windy Hibiscus Coast Highway, the toll road features reduced gradients, smoother curves and clear sight lines.
“The road will also bring a range of local and regional benefits, including reduced holiday congestion through Orewa; a better connection between the Orewa township and the beach; as well as supporting the economic development and wellbeing of Northland and Rodney District,” Mr McDonald said.
Motorists will pay tolls from midnight on Monday [January 26]. Cars will be charged $2 for each trip, and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes $4.
“The benefit of the electronic toll road is that you do not have to interrupt your journey to use it,” said Mr McDonald.
There are no toll booths on the new road. People can pre-pay before they travel, or up to three days after they use the road. There are several options for paying:
Costs
$2 each way for cars and light vehicles
$4 each way for larger vehicles and trucks over 3.5 tonnes
No charge for motorcycles
No additional charge for vehicles towing trailers or caravans
If people do not want to use the toll road, there are free alternative routes on the Hibiscus Coast Highway and SH16 from Wellsford in Northland and Auckland.
For more information please contact:
Ewart Barnsley
Stakeholder & Communications Manager - Auckland
NZ Transport Agency
M 64 27 213 7616
ewart.barnsley@nzta.govt.nz
