Regional improvements

Over the next three years, $456 million will be invested through this NLTP on regional improvements. This investment will support our regions to thrive by helping make key freight and tourism routes safer and more resilient.

The Transport Agency is taking a Safe Networks approach to improve the safety of our regional roads, concentrating on high-risk routes such as SH1 Loop Road to Smeaton’s Hill in Northland. The Safe Networks approach is focused on delivering safe roads and roadsides, safe and appropriate speeds and safe level crossings. This will make regional roads more forgiving of human error, lowering trauma rates.

Resilience improvements to regional roads over the next three years include:

• replacing end-of-life bridges
• installing protection against scour from sand and gravel
• implementing a range of prevention measures against slips and rock-fall
• mitigating climate change impacts
• other targeted infrastructure improvements on key routes.

There is continued support for freight customers and operators by working with local government to extend the high productivity motor vehicles (HPMV) network where appropriate to link production sites with key distribution points to form an integrated transport system. This includes strengthening access to Ōpōtiki Harbour in Bay of Plenty, for example, and replacing the Mangaweka Bridge to strengthen the connection between the Rangitīkei and Manawatū districts.