MEDIA RELEASE
Horizons Regional Council

Tuesday 24 April, 2012

Feedback sought on transport priorities

The Manawatu Gorge closure has been a major focus for the region and residents are now being asked whether $4.5 million should be spent on upgrading alternative routes over the next three years.

The Regional Transport Committee, led by Horizons Regional Council, is currently seeking feedback on its draft Regional Land Transport Programme which prioritises the region’s key transport activities and projects to be put forward for funding from Central Government.

Upgrading alternative routes to the Manawatu Gorge is high on the Committee’s list of priority projects and Horizons transport manager Anne Redgrave is encouraging people to have their say on what they would like to see funded.

“With a national focus on congestion there is a limited pool of money available for regional roads,” Ms Redgrave said.

“Through our submission process, we want to hear from the public whether they feel spending $4.5 million on improving an alternative route is the best way to go or whether there are other projects they would like to see benefit from this funding.”

Consultation on the draft Regional Land Transport Programme is also the only opportunity for people to have their say on improvements to state highways.

With the current closure of the Manawatu Gorge, the Saddle Road is being used as a state highway and maintained by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).

NZTA will restore the road to its original state once the Manawatu Gorge reopens and any additional funds spent by the region would be used to further improve the route’s safety and efficiency.

Ms Redgrave said the draft Programme is estimated to cost $350.5 million over the 2012-15 period and includes: maintenance, operation and renewal of local roads and state highways; public transport services and infrastructure; walking and cycling facilities; road safety education; and transport planning.

This is to be funded by local and regional rates as well as national funding, but with a Government focus on economic development the region is left with a shortfall.

“With such a limited pool of funding available it is critical that we hear from our communities allowing us to develop a clear vision for managing transport in our region,” she said.

Other major projects highlighted in the draft Programme include: improvements to the Foxton to Shannon diversion, State Highway 56 and State Highway 3 (Wanganui) to allow for high productivity freight vehicles; safety improvements to State Highway 2 between Woodville and north of Dannevirke; provision of stock effluent disposal facilities around the region; improvements to public transport services in Palmerston North; and road safety education programmes.

Submissions close 4pm Friday 4 May and can be made online at www.horizons.govt.nz.

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