Road fix needed now, not later
Road fix needed now, not later
Northland’s roading system is in chaos and needs fixing fast, Labour List MP Kelvin Davis says.
“According to NZTA’s 10 year funding data every area of Northland has had a decrease in NZTA funding since 2008.
“The latest storm, which
has lasted 12 days, has clearly demonstrated our roads are
not up to the pressure of extreme wet weather.
“We also
need to have reliable alternative state highway options when
SH1 is closed – as happened just south of Kawakawa.
“Neither the Ruapekapeka or Mangakahia Roads, which were used as temporary alternative routes, were able to withstand the extra pressure of heavy truck use, while three slips closed SH1 at Brynderwyn over the weekend, putting pressure on both the Paparoa detour and Waipu Cove detour routes.
“With Northland moving $1.8 billion worth
of goods by road each year, it is vital that at least one
second ‘main artery’ is formed. An upgraded Mangakahia
Road would be the obvious choice.
“Greater use also
needs to be made of coastal shipping and rail – upgrading
the rail line between Auckland and Northland and the Marsden
Point rail link would both improve access to the North.
“At the recent Northland Mayoral Forum it was decided
that MPs, the various district councils and the Northland
Regional Council would work out a transport plan to meet the
future transport needs of all of Northland after the general
election.
“The storm shows we can’t wait. We have to
get that plan underway
now.”
ends