Celebrating 25 Years of Scoop
Licence needed for work use Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Start of construction for New Plymouth Bypass

Transit Regional Office

Media Release

Wanganui

20 December, 2006

Sod turning marks start of construction for New Plymouth’s Bell Block Bypass


Transit New Zealand today marked the start of construction for New Plymouth’s $13.3M Bell Block Bypass project which will improve road safety and traffic flows to other major centres.

“Improving this thoroughfare is of national significance for travel in this region to other towns and cities,” says Transit Wanganui regional manager Errol Christiansen.

“We’re pleased to be able to begin construction as this project has been rated number one for the region and has had strong community advocacy,” he says.

Transit was joined by Transport Safety Minister Hon Harry Duynhoven, Taranaki Regional Council Chair David Walters, New Plymouth Mayor Peter Tennant and others from the community at Henwood Rd for the turning of the first sod.

Bell Block Bypass is specially designed to separate the through traffic from the fast developing Bell Block development. It also includes the widening of the highway up Mangaone Hill to four lanes and will enable vehicles to travel safely at 100km/h uninterrupted, immediately after the 50km/h zone on the northern outskirts of the city.

“Strong growth at Bell Block is predicted to continue, particularly in the industrial area. Four lanes with a grade separated interchange are the best solution to accommodate this growth,” Mr Christiansen says.

A significant feature of the project is a full diamond interchange at Henwood Road which allows for a single direct access to Bell Block township.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Transit is working with the New Plymouth District Council to integrate the local roading network with the upgraded section of highway. The aim is to manage safety issues for access roads in the rapidly developing residential and industrial areas beyond Bell Block.

Transit New Zealand awarded the contract for the construction of the Bell Block Bypass to Whitaker Civil Engineering last week.

Construction is scheduled for completion in mid 2010.

ENDS

www.transit.govt.nz

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.