Media release
For immediate release
27 February 2004

Two of New Zealand's major transport projects funded

Two of New Zealand's major transport projects have been approved for funding yesterday.

The Transfund New Zealand Board agreed to fund the Esmonde Road Interchange on the North Shore, at a cost of nearly $36 million, and the Hewletts Road Flyover in Tauranga, at a cost of nearly $28 million.

These State highway projects were two of the six projects over $20 million reviewed and confirmed in the 2003/04 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) by Transfund New Zealand late last year.

Board chair Jan Wright says the Board was pleased to be able to provide funding for these two projects as they will significantly assist in reducing congestion and improve route efficiency in two of New Zealand's larger urban areas.

Esmonde Road Interchange on State Highway 1 will improve accessibility to and from the motorway, integrate the local east-west road, link into cycling and walking networks, and facilitate the development of public transport and high occupancy vehicle travel between the North Shore and Auckland.

Hewletts Road Flyover will relieve existing and anticipated congestion on the section of State Highway 29 which provides access to the Port of Tauranga by separating the key road transport route to the port from the railway.

Dr Wright says the flyover contributes to an integrated transport system by reducing the interference between road and rail and by improving the flow of local traffic.

ends

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