Media Release For Immediate Release 20 December 2002

Huntly internal bypass gets the okay

Motorists using State Highway 1 near Huntly should find delays and congestion reduced as a result of a Transfund New Zealand decision today.

At its December meeting, the Transfund Board agreed to fund the Huntly internal bypass project promoted and managed by Transit New Zealand.

Chairman David Stubbs said the Board was pleased to fund the project, at a cost of just over $4.6 million, as it would improve traffic flows and reduce congestion on SH1.

"Transfund recognises the Waikato District Council and the Huntly community have been concerned that delays and congestion were likely to be worsened by ever increasing traffic volumes.

"This project will go some way towards alleviating these problems," he said.

The project comprises a new intersection layout at the northern end of Huntly Main Street and, at the southern end of the town, a new bridge to take Rayners Road over SH1 and the main trunk railway, enabling the removal of traffic lights at Rayners Road.

Transfund considered this project at its October board meeting, however, it deferred consideration of Transit's application as it required further clarification from Transit over the project's priority and the availability of funds from the State highway allocation. Mr Stubbs said the Transit Authority had now advised that the project was high priority and the Board was happy to fund the work from Transfund's 2002/03 National Land Transport Programme.

Transit's Regional Manager, Colin Knaggs says the news will be welcomed by the Waikato District Council and the community.

"We will be aiming to call tenders for the work by March and expect construction to begin in May 2003. The majority of the work should be completed by May the following year," he said.

ENDS

Transfund New Zealand is the government agency responsible for allocating funding toward an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable land transport system for New Zealand. It funds a range of transport solutions based on funding applications received from Transit New Zealand, territorial authorities and regional councils. See our website www.transfund.govt.nz for more information.

ENDS

© Scoop Media