Huntly expressway progresses
The Huntly section of the Waikato Expressway will get $458 million for design and construction, says the NZ Transport Agency Board.
Construction of the 15.5km section would start in September 2015.
Transport Agency Waikato Bay of Plenty regional director Harry Wilson said the funding approval was great news.
“The Waikato Expressway will cut travel times between Auckland and Tirau by 35 minutes, decrease the number of deaths and serious injuries from crashes, increase highway capacity and make a major contribution to our country’s economic growth.”
The Huntly section of the Waikato Expressway will start approximately 1.3km north of Fisher Road and will pass through the Taupiri Range, east of Huntly.
Once complete, it will connect the Ohinewai section of the Waikato Expressway, in the north, to the Ngaruawahia section, which opened in late 2013.
A total of nine bridges and two intersections will be constructed as part of the project, which also includes the second half of the Gordonton Road interchange.
“This section of the Waikato Expressway will reduce traffic congestion in the townships of Huntly and Taupiri and improve safety, particularly near the urupa (cemetery) on Taupiri Mountain,” Mr Wilson said.
The Transport Agency is currently finalising the consenting process for the project. Tenders close in December and the contract will be awarded in April 2015.
The Waikato Expressway is one of the seven state highways, called the Roads of National Significance, identified by the Government as essential to New Zealand’s economic prosperity.
