The four-week COVID-19 lockdown has halted progress on the new Ara Tūhono Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway project. 

NZTA have said that work on the motorway is not an essential service. However, some critical road maintenance work will continue around the country, and traffic control operation centres will stay manned to ensure that the roads are safe for any essential travel.

The effect of this shutdown on the timeline for this project is not yet clear. 

“Our immediate focus is on ensuring the health and safety of workers and the wider community during this very difficult time. We are committed to doing our part as New Zealand comes together to respond to this unprecedented challenge.” said a NZTA spokesperson.

The site will be monitored throughout the closure.

At the time of the lockdown, there were over 700 staff working on the project