17 June 2004

Consultation draws high level of interest

With two weeks remaining in the consultation process, Transit New Zealand says there has been strong public interest in its proposals to construct the State Highway 1 Northern Motorway Extension (Alpurt B2) as a toll road.

Transit’s regional manager, Wayne McDonald says the 256 submissions received to date show there is widespread interest in the project, as well as a good understanding of the options being presented.

“We’re encouraged by the high level of interest people are showing. Submissions have already come in from a broad cross-section of the community. This is a significant project for the region so we’re obviously keen that people have every opportunity for input into the process.”

Mr McDonald says that with only two weeks to go, people need to make the most of the opportunity to get their submissions in.

“We’re encouraging people to find out more about the proposals, including how to make a submission, by visiting our information office in Orewa, or checking out Transit’s website.”

Transit is proposing that construction of Alpurt B2 be brought forward through revenue from tolling. Under current proposals, tolls would be collected from north and southbound traffic using the new Alpurt B2 road. The existing section of road, known as Alpurt B1, would not be tolled.

Mr McDonald says that if approval to toll the motorway is received, construction could begin as early as December 2004.

An information office has been set up at 8 Tamariki Avenue, Orewa, and will be open to the public 10:30 am to 2:30 pm Wednesday to Friday, and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays. Specialist consultation staff will be available at selected times during these opening hours to discuss the implementation of the motorway as a toll road.

The submission closing date is Monday 5 July 2004. Submission forms are available from the information office or from http://www.transit.govt.nz/alpurt_b2/.

ENDS

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