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Tauranga tolls would see construction start early
Hon Steven Joyce
Minister of Transport
18 December
2009
Media
Release
Tauranga tolling would see construction start early
Transport Minister Steven Joyce says the government will seriously consider the NZ Transport Agency’s request to toll the Tauranga Eastern Link as a means to bring construction forward.
He says tolling, coupled with the government’s billion dollar boost for state highways, could enable construction to start as early as next year.
“The Tauranga Eastern Link was identified as a Road of National Significance as it will be a key driver of productivity and growth in the Bay of Plenty and Tauranga – one of New Zealand’s fastest growing areas.
“The new road will boost productivity, improve access to the Port of Tauranga and greatly enhance safety. If tolling will bring this forward, then obviously I’m open to that.”
The Transport Agency will put forward a tolling proposal to the Minister in the new year. This will be considered by the Cabinet under the criteria set out in the Land Transport Management Act 2003.
The $455 million project will see a four-lane motorway from Te Maunga to Paengaroa – by-passing Te Puke. At 23 kilometres it will be New Zealand’s longest single four lane state highway project.
The work involves two distinct parts – an upgrade of the existing State Highway 2 between Te Maunga and Domain Road at Papamoa; and a new section of motorway from Domain Road to Paengaroa.
“It’s estimated that the new road will shave up to 24 minutes off travel time for a return journey between Paengaroa and Te Maunga,” says Mr Joyce.
“As well as shortening the journey for motorists and reducing transport costs for business, greater efficiencies and access to the Port of Tauranga will help increase the volume of exports and in turn the growth of the region.
“The new road will also bring significant safety benefits to what is currently the second most dangerous piece of state highway in the country.”
Tolling the route would supplement traditional sources, enabling the early delivery of the road without over-burdening the land transport fund.
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