The Government has announced its Roads of National Significance programme will move into its next phase with the New Zealand Transport Agency Board endorsing investment cases and approving around $675 million in further funding.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the Government was committed to building a long-term transport infrastructure investment pipeline to redress the country’s infrastructure deficit and create jobs and growth.
“Our Roads of National Significance programme is a vital part of this pipeline, and I’m pleased to see good progress on getting these important projects ready for delivery.”
He said the funding included a further $515 million for property acquisition from previously approved funding.
The investment would accelerate progress on major transport corridors across the country, including the Northland Expressway, East West Link in Auckland, Hamilton Southern Links, and SH1 upgrades in Wellington – including a second Mt Victoria tunnel.
Consenting, design, route protection, site investigations, and some early works were covered under the approved funding.
Many Roads of National Significance projects were already underway, including the Takitimu North Link, SH29 Tauriko West, and Otaki to north of Levin.
Procurement and Fast-track Approvals Act processes were progressing on others, including Warkworth to Te Hana and Mill Road Stage 1.
Bishop said the Government was committed to delivering a “strong and consistent” pipeline of projects.
“I look forward to seeing further progress on these critical projects in the months and years ahead.”
The National Road Carriers Association said it was pleased rapid progress was being made on bringing all the projects listed in the Roads of National Significance closer to starting on construction.
Spokesperson James Smith said: “All of these projects are much needed improvements that will deliver safety, resilience and productivity to the roading network.
“Many have been on the drawing boards in various states for decades so this meaningful progress is worthy of celebration.
“Construction will bring much needed work for the civil construction sector that has been through a fairly bleak few years.”
