Northern Gateway
(SH1 Orewa Bypass)

Year Completed: 2009

Plant Numbers: 1M+

The Northern Gateway Alliance project, commonly known as the Ōrewa Bypass, was a major transport infrastructure development north of Auckland, designed to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance travel efficiency along State Highway 1. Completed in 2009, the project delivered the 7.5-kilometer Northern Gateway Toll Road, bypassing the congested Ōrewa and Waiwera areas and providing a faster, more reliable route between Auckland and Northland.

Key features include the twin Johnstones Hill Tunnels, advanced safety systems, and a scenic yet environmentally sensitive design that minimizes impact on the surrounding landscape. The project also involved extensive landscaping including over 1 million native plants and trees, and stormwater management initiatives to protect local ecosystems. These improvements have significantly enhanced the resilience and efficiency of Auckland’s northern transport corridor.