1 August 2016

Changing Mangakahia/Otaika Valley roads to a state highway – “An opportunity to reduce accident rates...”

Paula Rogers, National Road Carriers executive officer responsible for Northland, was welcoming today’s announcement that Te Pua Road, Mangakahia Road, Otaika Valley Road and Loop Road (North) have officially become State Highway 15 with NZTA taking over the operation and maintenance of the 96km of roads.

“This change of road status is an initiative that National Road Carriers has been advocating for some time. It is greatly welcomed and hopefully will lead to early action to make the new section of state highway more resilient and safer.

“With expectations that both heavy freight – especially logging trucks - and tourism activity will increase in coming years, some smart and innovative upgrade to sections of the route is urgently required if the NZTA goal of providing safe and resilient transport connections for freight and general traffic is to be achieved.”

NRC has been seeking action for some time to address the growing queues of traffic at the intersection of Loop Rd and SH1. “We hope that work on improving the intersection is prioritised,” said Ms Rogers.

With up to 200 logging trucks going down Otaika Valley Rd/ Mangakahia Rd every working day, today’s announcement will give the freight sector as well as other businesses and the local community confidence in the future.

“It is gratifying that Government has recognized the importance of this area of Northland to boosting the local economy and its liveability.”

Making this part of Northland’s road network ‘fit for purpose’ and safer is an important step forward for everyone. National Road Carriers would be keeping a close eye on progress of the promised improvements and upgrades, concluded Ms Rogers.

ends

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