The appeals against the proposed Matakana Link Road, which would connect Matakana to State Highway 1 in an effort to manage traffic, have been dropped, says Rodney MP Mark Mitchell.

Claims the road would affect the future use and development of their land, generate adverse effects on the environment and that there had been insufficient consideration to alternative routes were the issues raised in the appeals filed by landowners to the environmental court. 

Appellants dropped their claims after mediation. 

Matakana Link Rd. Photo Auckland Transport

With no opposition, construction can now begin, with Mark Mitchell hoping the road will be completed before the Puhoi to Warkworth Motorway. 

However, the Covid-19 virus has become an issue, as government funding for projects such as the proposed Matakana link road has been heavily impacted. 

The Covid-19 crisis has severely affected Auckland Council’s revenue. 60 per cent of their income is made up from fees, fuel taxes and licences, all of which have dropped significantly. This put council projects in some jeopardy.

Councilman Greg Sayers has said that council has not yet met to discuss which projects it would submit to the government for infrastructure funding. But among those being considered were the Matakana Link Road, the upgrade to the Hill Street intersection and a region-wide road sealing programme. A finalised list will be presented by council to the government by April 14, 2020.