Maunganui-Girven (SH2) and Te Maunga (SH2/SH29 intersections improvements: design funding

Applicant

NZ Transport Agency

Purpose

To outline the options considered, the preferred option, to seek NZTA Board approval of design and construction funding for the Maunganui-Girven and Te Maunga intersections improvements project on State Highway 2 in Tauranga.

Date of decision

15 August 2014

Resolutions

The New Zealand Transport Agency Board:

1. supported option 3a as the preferred option for the Maunganui-Girven and Te Maunga intersections improvements project
2. approved $5.4 million for the design of the Maunganui-Girven and Te Maunga intersections improvements project
3. approved $112.7 million for the construction of the Maunganui-Girven and Te Maunga intersections improvements project subject to the Chief Executive being satisfied with progress on project milestones prior to the awarding of contracts for physical works
4. noted the total construction cost is estimated at $115.4 million (including net property and escalation) with the 95th percentile at $140 million and the 5th percentile at $90 million
5. noted the reasons for this decision are set out in the 'Reasons for recommendation' section in Attachment 1.

Reason for the decision

The Maunganui-Girven and Te Maunga intersections improvements project has been assessed against the New Zealand Transport Agency's Assessment Framework.

The assessment profile for the project is: High strategic fit, High effectiveness (National BCR 2.3).

The Maunganui-Girven and Te Maunga Intersections improvements project is a pinch point on a National High Volume State highway located between the Tauranga Eastern Link Road of National Significance (RoNS) and the Port of Tauranga. The project is critical to the operation of the RoNS and will make a significant contribution to economic growth and productivity by improving journey time reliability, relieving capacity constraints, improving resilience and safety; and enabling a more efficient freight supply chain. It provides a whole of network long term nationally significant contribution to SH2, which is a key freight and tourist route, by improving journey time reliability, more efficient freight supply chains and a safer environment for road users. Grade separation of inter-regional and local traffic improves local access, including walking and cycling connections, and eliminates the conflict of at-grade rail crossings.

We confirm that the matters in sections 20(2) and 20 (5) of the LTMA have been satisfied, and that the matters in section 20(3) have been taken into account.