Media release

27 January 2016

Highway Announcement Best in Decades

The Government’s announcement of multimillion-dollar bypass projects at Mt Messenger and Awakino Tunnel have been warmly welcomed by the Taranaki Regional Council.

“This is the best single decision in several decades for our road network and the economic activity that relies on it,” says the Council Chairman, David MacLeod

“The region has been speaking with a united voice for years on the need for improvements to these sections of SH3 north. The Government has finally listened and we can all celebrate.”

Prime Minister John Key today announced $115 million worth of new regional roading projects with Taranaki getting the lion’s share. The Mt Messenger bypass will cost an estimated $80 to $90 million and the Awakino Tunnel bypass $9 to $15 million.

The Chairman of the Regional Transport Committee, Taranaki Regional Councillor Roger Maxwell, says SH3 north is a strategically important route for a region that has been one of New Zealand’s economic powerhouses.

“We have been pushing hard for improvements and our expectations are high. But today’s announcement exceeded them. The Minister and local MPs deserve our thanks.”

Mr MacLeod says he hopes the way is clear for an early start on design and construction.

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