Because of major wet weather events in the region, the focus for Te Tauihu – Top of the South has been on restoring roads in Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman. This included resilience work on SH6 between Blenheim and Nelson and SH63 the alternate route. Both state highways were damaged in 2022.
Population growth and urban development are putting pressure on the Nelson and Tasman urban transport network.
Our focus of the 2021-24 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) is on delivering better transport choices in Nelson and Richmond with improvements to both cycling and the public transport network to support intensification.
A key piece of this work is the Nelson Future Access project detailed business case. Broadly, this work looks at the Rocks Road and Waimea Road corridors and the ability to get people and freight in and out of Nelson safely and efficiently. The endorsed business case also looks to improve the land transport links with Nelson Port, ensure safer and more accessible facilities for people choosing to walk or cycle, and review public transport improvements to maximise the transport network’s efficiency.
Work continues managing the growth around Richmond to use the existing network more efficiently, through the endorsed Richmond Transport Programme Business Case.
Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council are focused on improving their shared public transport service, with new e-buses and more routes across the Tasman region, and to the airport.
The Nelson Future Access project considers opportunities to create better transport links between Nelson Port and Annesbrook for all transport modes, including the Rocks Road shared walking and cycling pathway.
Investment in public transport in Nelson and Richmond will improve services both within and between the two centres, while extending the Nelson cycleway between Annesbrook and Tāhunanui will provide better access for those who cycle.
Managing growth and expansion from urban development, improving safety and developing alternative transport choices, particularly cycling and public transport facilities, are the focus for the Tasman district.
Keeping the land transport system well-maintained is a large part of the annual investment from the National Land Transport Fund in the Top of the South. This work is to ensure the transport system is safe, more reliable and easier to use, helping keep communities connected while supporting economic growth.
The Picton Ferry Terminal redevelopment project represents a transformational investment in critical infrastructure that is expected to generate significant tourism, economic and environmental benefits.
The Nelson Future Access project considered how to get people and freight, safely and efficiently, in and out of Nelson. It will also look to improve land transport links with Nelson Port, ensure safer and more accessible walking and cycling facilities, and review public transport.
We continue to work with Nelson City and Tasman District councils to identify how to use the transport network more efficiently, in response to concerns about increasing congestion around growth areas, such as Richmond. This is part of the focus of the endorsed Richmond Transport Programme Business Case.
Climate change is affecting the resilience of the region’s land transport system as a freight corridor and in providing reliable connections to communities.
Continued investment in walking, cycling and public transport across the Top of the South is helping to provide alternative travel options and help improve environmental outcomes.
|
NLTP – Top of the South |
Investment in 2022/23 |
Forecast investment for 2021-24 |
|
Total |
$192 million |
$507 million |
|
Maintenance and operations |
$177 million |
$429 million |
|
Public transport investment |
$4 million |
$15 million |
|
Walking and cycling |
$2.4 million |
$16 million |
|
Road to Zero (safety) |
$3.2 million |
$21 million |
|
Network improvements |
$2.3 million |
$17 million |
