Media statement | 30 June 2008

Efficiency and safety Land Transport NZ’s focus for Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman

Improving safety and efficiency on road networks in Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman is a key priority for the regions 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 nearly $59 million allocated for investment in the land transport networks of Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman. Over $30 million has been provided for road maintenance, including $11 million for local roads and $19 million for state highway maintenance. A further $8.3 million has been allocated for road policing activities for Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman.

NLTP funding has been committed to progress ongoing projects in the three regions including construction of the Ruby Bay bypass in the Tasman district.

In the past year NLTP funding has seen the successful completion of the Awatere Bridge on SH 1 in Marlborough and replacement of the Tahunanui roundabouts in Nelson.
 
Land Transport NZ Central region Partnerships Manager Ian Hunter says the completion of the Awatere Bridge is a major achievement and will bring considerable economic benefits to Marlborough and the wider region.

“Marlborough’s rural roads, which are facing higher usage as forest areas come into production, will need work to improve their width and pavement strength. In the Tasman district rapid growth has placed pressure on urban roads, especially in Richmond. Nelson is considering a new Regional Land Transport Strategy that places an early emphasis on improved passenger transport as well as walking and cycling,” Mr Hunter said.  

The 2008/09 NLTP has allocated $400,000 for passenger transport and total mobility activities in Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman.

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

• further upgrading and strengthening of Northbank Road in the Marlborough district
• improvements to the Marsden/Ridgeway intersection in Nelson City
• safety improvements to SH62 Rapaura Road in the Marlborough district.

Over $500,000 has been allocated to allow councils 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