The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is starting preliminary work on the Government’s first seven Roads of National Significance (RoNS). The Agency is about to begin procurement, enabling works and construction to get underway within the next three years, according to Transport Minister Simeon Brown.
“Delivering on commitments in our coalition agreements, we are moving at pace to progress a new generation of RoNS across the country. These will support economic growth and get people and freight to where they want to go, quickly and safely. I’m pleased to see NZTA taking the first steps to deliver upon the Government’s ambitious plan for New Zealand’s transport network,” Mr Brown says.
The Government is prioritising 17 Roads of National Significance.
He continues “NZTA has now appointed project teams to accelerate consenting, property acquisition, and design. They are engaging construction partners to progress the first phase of seven RoNS projects.
“Takitimu North Link Stage 1 is already underway with Ōtaki to North of Levin to begin construction next year. NZTA is now adding to the Roads of National Significance pipeline with the next phase of projects which include Belfast to Pegasus (including the Woodend Bypass), the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, SH1 Cambridge to Piarere, SH29 Tauriko, Takitimu North Link Stage 2, Mill Road, and Warkworth to Wellsford.
“NZTA intends to approach the Northland Roads of National Significance as a single strategic corridor, with Warkworth to Wellsford the first section being focussed on.
“In addition to the first phase of seven RoNS projects, investigations and project planning for the remaining eight will also start in the next three years. We are committed to delivering a significant pipeline of transport infrastructure which will unlock economic growth and productivity across New Zealand. The new roads will help Kiwis get where they need to go quickly and safely.
“New Zealand needs fast-track legislation to ensure that we have a pipeline of consented infrastructure projects, such as the Roads of National Significance.
“Investments in these essential corridors will make it easier for New Zealanders to get where they need to go, create a more productive and resilient transport network, drive economic growth, and unlock land for thousands of new houses.
“Moving at pace to build a new generation of RoNS signals our Government’s focus on prioritising investments that deliver real value to commuters and businesses.”
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