The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) today announced that a $1.3M contract for the detailed investigation into the Rotorua Eastern Arterial has been awarded to Opus International Consultants.
Rod James, NZTA's Bay of Plenty State Highway Manager is pleased to see this significant project get underway.
“Rotorua Eastern Arterial is designed to improve the freight route between the forestry and dairy regions of Rotorua/Taupo and the Port of Tauranga, as well as the access to Rotorua International Airport.
“The 15 month investigation will update and develop more detailed options for the route, consult with interested people on those options, and seek the relevant designations to prepare the project for future phases,” says Mr James.
Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters welcomes the development. He says construction of the Eastern Arterial will make transportation of the central North Island’s growing export production through Rotorua more effective.
“The Rotorua Eastern Arterial is an important project for our city. 37,500 vehicles per day currently travel along State Highway 30 (Te Ngae Road). By 2017 this is predicted to be up to 47,100. As well as opening up access to developments planned along the eastern edge of the lake, the Rotorua Eastern Arterial will remove up to 20,000 vehicles per day from the current highway, contributing to a safer and less congested community for residents and local businesses,” says Mayor Winters.
The investigation stage will be completed by August 2011 in time to be considered for the 2012 National Land Transport Programme, where funding for the design and construction phases will be prioritised.
