Having a four lane highway is being seen as the most important piece of infrastructure for Northland's economy to develop.

Far North, Kaipara and Whangarei District Councils are coming together alongside Northland Regional Council to ensure the project goes ahead.

However, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has ruled it out of his provincial growth fund, wanting to focus instead on projects that'll be completed this term.

Northland Regional Council chair Bill Shepherd says there are tourism and freight benefits that'll come with the road in place.

"We are working hard with the new government to ensure that the critical importance of that transport artery is right at the top of priorities."

Shepherd also says four lane transport linkage is critical for economic development.

He says it's the most important part of infrastructure leading to local economy growing at its potential.

The new road would connect Whangarei and Warkworth, with Regional Council and three District Councils sighting tourism, freight and safer road benefits.