Whangarei to Wellsford highway promise from Nats

The condition of State Highway One between Whangarei and Wellsford will improve if National keeps its latest roading promise. Photo/John Stone

A Wellsford to Whangarei four lane highway is back on the map with the National Party announcing "the next generation" of Roads of National Significance.

National Party Transport Spokesperson Simon Bridges said one of the projects to improve 10 of New Zealand's most important routes was the Wellsford to Whangarei highway.

That and the others would cost around $10.5 billion, funded from the National Land Transport Fund and the use of Public-Private Partnerships, Mr Bridges said.

"The initial funding will come from our record infrastructure investment of $32.5b announced in Budget 2017.

"Strong transport connections are critical for our growing regions and support New Zealand's economic prosperity, and the Roads of National Significance are an important part of that."

The improvements would provide continuous four lanes, separation from traffic coming from the other direction, wide sealed shoulders, high standard landscaping, environmental controls and signage.

Mr Bridges said the plan to improve major infrastructure was proof the Government was investing now to encourage future economic growth - "rather than waiting until the strain on the network becomes a handbrake on progress."

The new Roads of National Significance should be largely completed within 10 years, he said.

The other projects are an east-west link in Auckland; Cambridge to Tirau; Piarere to the foot of the Kaimai Range; Tauranga to Katikati; Napier to Hastings; Manawatu Gorge; Levin to Sanson; Christchurch Northern Motorway; Christchurch to Ashburton.