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Great progress being made on Matakana link road project

New drone footage released of a new Matakana link road currently under construction shows the significant progress already made on the project.

The link between State Highway One and Matakana Road is a 1.35km route that will provide an alternative around the frequently congested Hill Street intersection for traffic heading to Leigh, Omaha, Sandspit and Snells Beach.

Progress already made during the current earthworks phase includes 100 per cent of the 2km of haul roads now in place, 100 per cent of erosion and sediment controls, 90 per cent of the 19,000m3 of topsoil stripped and 90 per cent of the clearing and tree felling.

A full list of the work completed so far on project can be seen below. 

“It’s difficult to see from State Highway One, but good progress is being made on the Matakana link road project,” says Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.

“This new drone video highlights the work already completed, although there is much more to come. This $62.2 million project is something the Warkworth community has been asking for.

“The project employs up to 120 staff over the construction period, with the contract awarded to local firm Wharehine Construction, which has been in business in Wellsford since 1955 and has committed to sourcing products locally.”

Rodney local board Chair Phelan Pirrie says, “The link road project will be future-proofed by providing up to four lanes of traffic, as well as cycle path, foot path and a new stream crossing.

“This project means locals will be able to move much easier to and from the beaches and the towns northeast of Warkworth.”

With the population in the area expected to jump by 20,000 over the next 30 years, the Matakana link project comes at an important time for the future development of the area.

“This project is about looking ahead and providing a corridor that is both functional but also with a quality urban design,” says David Nelson, AT’s Portfolio Delivery Director (Projects).

“In terms of timing, AT is looking to have the link road built in time for the opening of Waka Kotahi’s Pūhoi to Warkworth project.”

The link road project is funded with $30.5 million from Auckland Transport and $31.7 million from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Read more about the Matakana Link Road project. 

Progress update statistics


The current Earthworks Phase includes:

  • Erosion and Sediment Controls are in place (100% complete). 
  • Clearing and tree felling (90%). 
  • 2km of haul roads in place (100%). 
  • 19,000m3 of topsoil stripped (90%). 
  • 30,000m3 cut to fill (35%).
  • 5,000m3 of Lime stabilising (30%).
  • 10,000 cut to Waste (20%). 


Ground improvements:

  • 15 Monitoring devices installed. 
  • 1,900m of 900mm diameter CFA piling (100%). 
  • 4,000m3 of Drainage metal.
  • 300m of subsurface drainage lines (100%). 


Services that have just started:

  • Matakana Rd overhead services placed underground (100%). 
  • 100m of SW lines in (5%).

Bridge works to start in early January:

  • Proof bores completed (to allow completion of the pile design).
  • Piling platforms in progress.