Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has confirmed an increase in funding for pothole repair and prevention.
The NZTA‘s board has signed off on more than $1.6b in additional funding for pothole prevention, a 91 per cent increase in funds for state highways, and a total 50 per cent increase for local roads.
The money comes from the National Land Transport Fund.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown was reported as saying; “We have ringfenced this record investment in the Pothole Prevention Fund to resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance works to ensure that NZTA and councils get our State Highways and local roads up to the safe and reliable standards that Kiwis expect.”
“Kiwis want potholes fixed and our roads properly maintained, and this funding boost will deliver real results across the country. Boosting investment in pothole prevention will deliver a safe and efficient network for New Zealanders that increases productivity and supports economic growth.”
In the leadup to the election, National announced it would set up a $500 million Pothole Repair Fund.
“Increasing the number of kilometres of road being rehabilitated, increasing the number of kilometres being resealed, doing that drainage work which actually is what keeps the water off the road and keeps those potholes from forming, is critically important,” said Brown.
“This is an increase in funding, it’s also an increase in how we want our roads to be looked after.”
