MPs launch bid to save road of national significance
MPs launch bid to save road of national significance
National MPs Todd Muller, MP for Bay of Plenty and Scott Simpson, MP for Coromandel have today launched a campaign to ensure the Katikati to Tauranga four-lane Road of National Significance proceeds as planned by the previous National Government.
“The previous
National-led Government had committed to a large number of
important regional highway projects right around New
Zealand, including the delivery of not only the Tauranga
Northern Link (TNL) and the Katikati bypass, but also a full
four-lane motorway from Tauranga to Katikati,” Mr Simpson
says.
“These projects would greatly improve safety and
travel times, better connect our regions and boost regional
economic growth. However, the new Minister of Transport,
Phil Twyford, has now indicated a number of these projects
are under review.
“The by-pass of Katikati was warmly welcomed locally and this critical investment must go ahead with construction of the TNL beginning this year as planned. The road must also go all the way to Tauranga because that stretch of highway is currently one of the most dangerous in the country.”
“The Road of National Significance that includes the TNL would see a continuous four-lane State Highway with wide lanes, grade separated intersections and other safety measures stretching from Tauranga to Katikati,” Mr Muller says.
“I am particularly focused
on ensuring our Omokoroa community is provided with a grade
separated connection onto State Highway 2, and the work has
to start immediately.
“This investment is critically
important for Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty region
and the Government has wrongly thrown the project into
uncertainty.
“Our local National team will be pushing
the Government to commit to the project and we encourage the
public to show their support and ensure our region’s voice
is heard loud and clear through signing this
petition.”
The petition can be found here.