Northern Gateway Alliance

Project: Northern Gateway Toll Road

Category: Program Management


Project Summary
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) engaged the Northern Gateway Alliance (NGA) in March 2004 to design and construct the Northern Gateway Toll Road, an extension of the northern motorway between Orewa and Puhoi, 30km north of Auckland, New Zealand. The 7.5 km route improves access and provides a safer, more direct journey for travellers between Auckland and Northland.

At a total cost of $340 million and four years in the making, the project involves twin tunnels, six major bridges, five major new culverts, 4 million cubic metres of earthworks, 60,000 cubic metres of concrete, and at its peak, 350 staff. The road opened ahead of schedule on 25 January 2009.

The toll road passes through a historically rich and diverse landscape containing steep topography, large tracts of native bush, regionally significant streams and estuaries, and areas of pastoral farmland, making it one of New Zealand’s largest and most challenging roading projects. Due to this sensitive environment, the project had a long history of consenting and as a consequence, had in excess of 500 conditions of consent. The NGA embraced the opportunities presented within this complex setting to realise its vision of:

“Creating a Northern Gateway that is a visual showcase of environmental and engineering excellence.”

Six Alliance partners and two sub-Alliance partners made up the Alliance with each member playing a critical role in ensuring the project was innovative, efficient, and cost-effective. This diverse group of talented and dedicated individuals, all leaders in their individual areas of expertise, came together from across the participant organisations to deliver this groundbreaking project.

The Northern Gateway Toll Road is the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)’s largest capital project. It is also the first State Highway to be progressed by tolling, the first construction project to report against triple bottom line measures, and the first roading project in New Zealand to actively work on reducing its carbon footprint.

The NGA incorporated social and cultural considerations on the project from a very early stage, including avoiding adverse effects on the environment, ensuring the views of affected communities were taken into account, and considering various design options. The project has delivered excellent outcomes as a result of this open, proactive approach. One of the keys to its success has been the Alliance model, which inherently involves integrated decision making and facilitates innovative thinking. The NGA has raised the bar for engineering and environmental excellence, setting a benchmark for future alliancing projects.