A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Bay of Plenty through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme is expected to boost economic growth and unlock land for thousands of houses.

“Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in the Bay of Plenty. Over the next three years, this investment will deliver critical infrastructure that reduces travel times for motorists and freight travelling to the Port of Tauranga, along with supporting population growth in the rapidly growing Western Bay of Plenty,” says Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.

“We’re committed to making sure that every dollar is spent wisely on the projects and services that are needed in the Bay of Plenty. This region needs roads built and maintained to a high standard, and that is exactly what we are delivering.”

The Government is progressing three Roads of National Significance in the Bay of Plenty to increase productivity and unlock housing growth.

“We are investigating upgrades to SH29 Tauriko West connections, replacing the SH29 Omanawa Bridge, and progressing work across two stages for the Takitimu North Link. Stage one will connect Tauranga and Te Puna, and stage two will extend the project to Ōmokoroa with a new four-lane highway.

“With parts of the Bay of Plenty vulnerable to severe weather events, the NLTP will deliver resilience improvements to targeted parts of the region’s roading network. As part of this, investigations will begin into options to improve resilience along SH2 Awakeri to Ōpōtiki where there are currently limited local road detours.

“We’re also developing options to strengthen connections on SH2 Waioeka Gorge between the East Coast and the Eastern Bay of Plenty. This project will be prioritised as part of the NLTP’s cyclone rebuild activities.”

Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford, left, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell.

In Tauranga, the Government is also investing in improvements to Welcome Bay Rd, Turret Rd, and 15th Ave to Takatimu Drive. These projects will improve efficiency on the local road network and reduce congestion for motorists.

Brown says more than $640 million will be invested on maintenance and pothole prevention to ensure the region’s state highways and local roads return to the safe and reliable standard motorists expect. This includes resealing and rehabilitation works on 349km of state highway to prevent pesky potholes from forming in the first place.

Full details of NLTP investments can be found at https://www.nzta.govt.nz/nltp

NRC pleased to see RONS and RORS funding allocation

National Road Carriers Association is pleased to see the Government’s announcements allocating funding to Roads of National Significance (RONS) and Roads of Regional Significance (RORS).

NRC CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers says Monday’s announcements confirm the funding is available to deliver the RONS and RORS around the country as pledged.

“The RONS and RORS are a welcome return to structured planned investment of the transport network and is in line with what NRC called for pre-election.

“A long-term plan for addressing the infrastructure deficit and providing certainty will drive down cost, enabling more to be done to return the network to a state that enables productivity and supports economic growth.

“With this increased certainty we hope to see the doors opening in terms of investment opportunities, both from local and international investors, and the contractors we need to attract to deliver the programme of work.

“This is a really positive step forward in terms of prioritising the work required, factoring in future demands, community and economic needs. We can look forward to increased resilience and productivity from the network which will benefit New Zealand as a whole.”

A map showing where the improvements will take place. Supplied image.

Bay of Plenty

-A total of $1.9 billion is forecast to be invested in the Bay of Plenty in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) period.

-The $1.9 billion forecast investment includes:

$235m in maintenance operations investment.

$412m to prevent potholes on state highways and local roads.

$1.1b to deliver state highway and local road improvements.

$119m in public transport investment.

Key projects funded in the 2024-27 NLTP:

-Work will progress on three Roads of National Significance:

Tauriko West State Highway 29 – Investigating transport upgrades

Tauranga’s western corridor on SH29, SH29A and SH35, and protecting the route.

Takitimu North Link Stage 1 – Continuing construction on the 6km, four-lane expressway to connect Tauranga and Te Puna.

Takitimu North Link Stage 2 – Starting work on the 7km, four-lane expressway from Te Puna to Ōmokoroa.

Resealing and rehabilitation works on 349km of state highway.

Replacements for the SH29 Omanawa bridge and culvert at SH36 Hauraki Stream.

Improvements to Welcome Bay Rd, Turret Rd, and 15th Ave to Takitimu Drive.

Develop options and seek funding to improve the resilience and safety of SH2 Waioeka Gorge.

Construct a Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre near Tauranga Port.

- SunLive