Overcoming public perceptions is the first step, but planner promises economic benefits will be tangible.

Smart roads and clever apps could hold the key to solving Auckland's congestion problems, writes Steve Hart.

Aucklanders will get an early taste of a $120 million waterfront development on Wednesday when a new bridge linking the Viaduct Harbour to Wynyard Quarter opens.

Fuel tax is likely to rise by about 3.5c per litre over the next two years to help fund hundreds of millions in additional government spending on "roads of national significance" such as the Puhoi to Welsford highway.

Holidaymakers can expect a faster run to the Coromandel Peninsula before the end of summer.

Snow is causing havoc on the South Island's roads as wild weather continues to batter the country and while the storm is now peaking over the country, some places should brace for another rough 48 hours.

The last of 366 30-tonne concrete beams has been put in place over the $340 million tunnel.