Penlink

Penlink, officially known as the Northern Connector, is a planned and partially constructed motorway in Auckland, New Zealand. It is intended to provide an alternative route between the North Shore (specifically, the suburbs of Northcote and Birkenhead) and the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, bypassing the heavily congested State Highway 1.

The project aims to reduce travel times, improve accessibility to the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, and support economic growth in the northern Auckland region. The main component of Penlink is a toll road, approximately 7 kilometers long, that will connect State Highway 1 at Redvale with Whangaparāoa Road.

The construction of Penlink has been the subject of significant public discussion and debate, focusing on issues such as the project's necessity, its environmental impact, and the implications of tolling. Proponents argue that it is a crucial infrastructure investment to alleviate congestion and improve connectivity, while critics raise concerns about cost, environmental considerations, and the fairness of tolling.

The project involves the construction of several bridges and significant earthworks. It is expected to have a substantial impact on the transport network of northern Auckland upon its completion.