There is considerable support for proposed safety improvements to the intersection of State Highways 1 and 29 at Piarere, with most submissions received during the process for the resource management applications, in favour of the changes.
Submissions came from individuals and landowners, government organisations, transport industry groups and local organisations.
Jo Wilton, the Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Waikato/Bay of Plenty for Waka Kotahi was pleased with the support shown. “Thank you to those who made a submission. 18 submissions were received, with the majority supporting the proposal to construct a roundabout to make the intersection safer.
“There were some submissions that raised technical considerations around the design. Others wanted reassurance that good design processes to cater for larger vehicles would be followed, and we will respond to these submissions.
“The intersection improvements will help people get where they are going safely when traveling on a high-volume traffic route. This is one of New Zealand’s critical transport corridors, but the SH1/SH29 intersection is among the most dangerous on our roading network,” she said.
The Councils involved - Waikato Regional Council, Matamata-Piako District Council and South Waikato District Council - have granted Waka Kotahi’s request for the applications to go directly to the Environment Court.
The next step in the process is for the Councils’ Reporting Planner to prepare a report on the application to assist the Environment Court. This report will address any relevant RMA issues, suggest conditions that should be imposed if the Environment Court confirms the application and provide a summary of submissions.
The Councils’ report will be provided to Waka Kotahi and the submitters. All parties will then have the chance to decide if they want to be heard at the Environment Court.
The process before the hearing at the Environment Court can include pre-hearing conferences, expert witness conferencing and mediation to try and resolve or narrow issues. At this point, it is expected that the hearing would be in mid-2022.
The Government’s New Zealand Upgrade Programme is funding the safety upgrade of the SH1 and SH29 intersection at Piarere. The $8.7 billion investment will provide growing communities across the country with better travel choices that help people get where they’re going safely.
SH1/SH29 intersection project page
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