Bay of Plenty MP Tony Ryall, Tauranga MP Simon Bridges and Rotorua MP Todd McClay welcome news that construction of the Tauranga Eastern Link road will start up to 7 years earlier than previously possible following the Government’s approval for the route to be tolled.
“The link, one of the country’s seven roads of national significance, is one of the biggest construction projects in the region and is valued at $455 million,” Mr Ryall, Mr Bridges and Mr McClay say.
“The link will create a 24 kilometre, four-lane highway from Te Maunga (near Baypark Stadium) in Tauranga to the existing junction of State Highways 2 and 33 (the Rotorua and Whakatane highways) near Paengaroa.
“It will contribute significantly to the Bay of Plenty’s economic and social well-being by reducing travel times for commercial vehicles accessing the Port of Tauranga and beyond.
“As well as shortening the journey for motorists and reducing transport costs for business, greater efficiencies and access to the Port of Tauranga will help increase the volume of exports and in turn the growth of the region.
“The link will also improve safety for residents along the current route of State Highway 2 and open up access to new developments planned for Papamoa.
“Extensive community consultation on tolling to bring forward construction resulted in significant community support for the idea. 92 per cent of respondents said they conditionally or unconditionally supported advancing the project through tolling during the 2009 public consultation.
“Work will begin early next year and is due to be completed in 2016.
“Tolls are proposed to be no more than $2 per trip for cars and motorcycles and no more than $5 for heavy vehicles. It is estimated that all borrowing will be repaid within a toll operating period of 35 years, after which tolls will be removed.
“The existing State highway 2 route through Te Puke will remain as a free alternative route once the Tauranga Eastern Link is completed.”
To keep residents informed a dedicated website and an on-site visitor centre will open early next year. More information about the link can be found on the NZ Transport Agency’s website www.nzta.govt.nz |