MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Submissions sought on transport plan

A Plan to shape the Region’s transport networks is now open for public feedback and Horizons Regional Transport Committee is encouraging the community to have their say before January 30.

The Regional Land Transport Plan sets the strategic direction for the Region's land transport system and identifies proposed activities for investment by local and central government over the next ten years.

It includes policy and activities relating to the Region’s roading maintenance and improvements, public transport services and infrastructure, walking and cycling, road safety and transport planning across the Region.

Chair of Horizons Regional Transport Committee Bruce Gordon says strategic priorities identified for transport in the Region include: efficient road maintenance and delivery; improved connectivity of key strategic routes; planning for and proactively responding to demographic change and impacts of land use change; an increased focus on pedestrians and cycling; efficient, accessible and affordable public transport networks; and an appropriate network of tourism routes.

“These priorities are shaped by existing national and regional priorities as well as the issues we face as a Region,” Mr Gordon says.

“They provide a clear guide for investment over the next 10 years. Projects that address these priorities will be given preference when it comes to funding and implementation.

“Some key transport projects proposed for the 2015-25 period include replacement of the Whirokino Trestle Bridge on State Highway One and a walking/cycling clip-on to the State Highway Three Manawatu River Bridge at Ashhurst. The full suite of projects is outlined in our draft Plan and now’s the time to let us know if you think we’ve got it right,” he says.

Copies of the full draft Plan and summary as well as further information is available via Horizons’ website or by contacting the transport team on toll free number 0508 800 800.

Submissions to the draft Regional Land Transport Plan are open until 5pm Friday 30 January and can be made online via the transport section of Horizons Regional Council’s website www.horizons.govt.nz , by completing a submission form and emailing it to rltp@horizons.govt.nz or by completing and returning a submission form to Horizons’ office.

The Regional Transport Committee responsible for the Plan’s development is led by Horizons and made up of members from the Region’s city and district councils, NZTA and representatives from a number of different land transport groups.

ENDS

© Scoop Media