Construction work has commenced on the first section of the Puhoi to Wellsford road in New Zealand.

The Puhoi to Warkworth project  will involve the construction of a new 18.5km motorway between Auckland and Northland.

The overall project, estimated to cost NZ$709.5M ($508.6M), will be carried out through a public-private partnership.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges said: “Extending the Northern Motorway between Pūhoi and Warkworth will enhance inter-regional and national economic growth and improve the reliability of the transport network between Auckland and Northland.”

The road is expected to open in the end of 2021.

* Data provided by Timetric's Construction Intelligence Center.