The board of inquiry for the Northern Corridor improvements proposal has released its draft report and decision for the project in Auckland, New Zealand. 

The draft report and decision were provided to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), Auckland Council, all submitters, and the NZ Minister for Environment, as well as landowners and occupiers directly affected by the decision. 

These parties are required to comment on minor or technical aspects of the report to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The decision has been released after assessing the evidence submitted by NZTA, stakeholders and the community. 

"The Northern Corridor is the latest stage in completing the Western Ring Route, giving people an alternative route to State Highway 1 and the Auckland Harbour Bridge."

Welcoming the decision, NZTA system design manager Brett Gliddon said: “The Northern Corridor improvements will create a new connection between the Northern Motorway (State Highway 1) and State Highway 18, which will build on the improved travel times and resilience customers are already experiencing since the opening of the Waterview Connection. 

“The Northern Corridor is the latest stage in completing the Western Ring Route, giving people an alternative route to State Highway 1 and the Auckland Harbour Bridge, while the East West Link, also due to start construction next year will be another key component to the route.” 

Upon completion, improvement works will see new walking and cycling paths, as well as an extension of Northern Busway to Albany Bus Station. It is anticipated that construction works could begin next year.

Currently, the NZTA is also reviewing the draft decision and will provide its feedback before the board of inquiry releases its final decision next month.