Vital Northland transport link potentially closed for months
Click here to listen to TVNZ Breakfast interview with NRC Board Member Ian Newey regarding the proposed Brynderwyn’s road closure.
Ian shares some valuable insights into why retaining freight access during the proposed works is so critical for Northland. The proposed diversions are not fit for purpose, the detours add 140kms and 2 hours for a return trip and there are real safety concerns due to the quality of the roads.
The freight industry is based on cost per kilometre – so who pays for this additional cost? Consumer will certainly feel the brunt with added costs to groceries and other consumables, but for businesses if they can’t afford to pay then they will go under.
Brynderwyn closure would be a devastating blow for transport operators and Northland community
Waka Kotahi’s recommended closure of State Highway 1 through the Brynderwyn Hills for road repairs would be a devastating blow for transport operators serving Northland and the Northland community says National Road Carriers Association (NRC) CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers.
“Many transport operators and businesses are hanging by a thread and a two-month closure of the main arterial at the second busiest time of year would push some to collapse unless they receive Government support,” says Tighe-Umbers. “If it goes ahead it would be yet another serious hit after a triple whammy of pandemic, cyclone and economic slowdown.”