Media statement | 9 December 2004

Design funding for Coromandel's Kopu Bridge approved

Nearly $3 million has been approved for design of a replacement for Coromandel's one-lane 80-year-old Kopu Bridge.

The signalised one-lane bridge causes delays of up to 1½ hours and queue lengths of over 14 kms at peak holiday periods. Local motorists also experience significant delays at peak weekday times.

The Land Transport New Zealand Board approved $2.9 million for design of a new bridge, which will include a dedicated pedestrian and cycle lane, at its meeting yesterday.

Board chair Dr Jan Wright says motorists using the bridge at peak holiday periods are the ones hit by the longest traffic delays, but it is the local motorists who use the bridge on a daily basis who are delayed the most each year.

"Over 50 percent of the delays at this bridge are those experienced by motorists who use this bridge every day. This will only get worse with time, as weekday traffic levels have grown by about 10 percent per year in the last two years.

"Land Transport New Zealand estimates $92 million in travel time savings will be made in approving this work to go ahead", she says.

Transit New Zealand will also complete agreements on cultural and heritage issues with local interest groups prior to commencing construction.

The existing Historic Places Trust-protected bridge will be retained and developed as an historical attraction.

For more information

Wayne Donnelly
Chief Executive – Funding
Land Transport New Zealand
Ph: 04 916 4268

or

Kate Wright
Communications Consultant
Land Transport New Zealand
Ph: 04 917 4448
Mb: 021 500 343