Media statement | 30 June 2008

Better connections the priority for Land Transport NZ in Manawatu

More effective connections between state highways and local roads are the priority for the Manawatu/Wanganui District in the 2008/09 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).

Land Transport NZ today announced $2.7 billion in transport spending for New Zealand in the 2008/09 NLTP, including more than $77 million allocated for investment in the Manawatu/Wanganui land transport network. Nearly $45 million will be spent on road maintenance, including $34.5 million on local roads and $10.2 million on state highways. A further $17 million has been allocated for road policing in the Manawatu/Wanganui region.

NLTP funding has been committed to progress ongoing projects in the region, including sealing unsealed sections of the Whanganui River Road and the Raetihi-Pipiriki Road in the Wanganui and Ruapehu districts, and seal extensions on the Taihape-Napier Road in the Rangitikei district.

In the past year NLTP funding has seen an intersection upgrade on SH 56 in Opiki, and investigation into sites for a possible new bridge across the Manawatu River in Palmerston North.
 
Land Transport NZ Central region partnerships manager Ian Hunter says heavy vehicle usage on the region’s roads is a continuing concern. Because of its location, Palmerston North is a popular city for distribution centres that attract heavy vehicles. Studies and investigations are continuing into future heavy vehicle routes and an additional crossing of the Manawatu River to help improve traffic flows in and around Palmerston North.

Mr Hunter said a total of $2 million has been allocated in the 2008/09 NLTP for passenger transport operations and total mobility activities in the Manawatu/Wanganui region.

“This includes continuing funding for the unlimited access bus services for Massey University students between the University and Palmerston North. This service is helping to cut traffic congestion near the university and on the Fitzherbert Bridge over the Manawatu River. Palmerston North City has also requested funds to investigate a new bus terminal for the central city,” Mr Hunter said.

The following projects may also be completed during the 2008/09 year:

• a pavement upgrade on Saddle Road
• widening of Ferguson Street in Palmerston North to four lanes to ease traffic congestion
• improvements to the Pahiatua Track route in the Tararua District.

Over $800,000 has been allocated to allow council to work with communities to develop and deliver safe and sustainable local transport activities.

Mr Hunter says the activities funded through the NLTP reflect Land Transport NZ’s objective of contributing to an integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable land transport system.

Regional newsletters, a fact sheet and the NLTP book, which details all projects in the 2008/09 NLTP, will be available at www.landtransport.govt.nz/funding/nltp/2008 from 6pm today.

For more information:

Ian Hunter
Partnership Manager, Central
(04) 931 8900 or 0274 506 966