For immediate release
Date 28 October 2005
Go ahead for SH50-Meeanee Road interchange

Construction of a new interchange to separate traffic at the intersection of SH50 and Meeanee Rd south of Taradale has been given the green light, with the Land Transport New Zealand Board’s decision to approve $8.6 million in funding.

The interchange will involve a two lane flyover for SH50 (the Hawke's Bay Expressway), north and southbound on and off ramps, construction of embankments to allow for future widening of the expressway to four lanes and minor improvements to nearby roads. The interchange will also incorporate noise-reducing features to lessen the impact of traffic noise nearby.

The Land Transport New Zealand Board approved $8.6 million for construction of the interchange at its meeting yesterday.

Board chair Dr Jan Wright says the interchange will improve safety and reduce travel times on the expressway - a key route for freight travelling to Napier and the port.

“The current configuration of the intersection with traffic lights causes significant delays and congestion at peak times, with lengthy queues developing, and there is also a high crash rate at the intersection.

"The interchange will help reduce crash numbers and improve traffic flows. More efficient traffic flows on the expressway will also help to reduce the number of trucks currently using the Marine Parade section of State Highway 2," she says.

ENDS

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