The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) approved funding yesterday to progress construction of two sections of Hamilton city's Ring Road, which incorporates Wairere Drive.
The funding will enable the construction of the new 5.4km Crosby Road to Cambridge Road section just east of the existing Tramway and Peachgrove roads and the upgrading of the existing Pukete Road to Resolution Drive section of Wairere Drive from two to four lanes
NZTA Regional Director Harry Wilson says construction of both sections of the Ring Road was allowed for in the current three-year National Land Transport Programme and the NZTA funding will enable the projects to progress ahead of the time originally scheduled by Hamilton City Council.
Mr Wilson says, “Progressing the construction at this point in time will enable Hamilton City Council to take advantage of the current competitive construction market and will ensure that the completion of the Ring Road will be well aligned and synchronised with the construction of the Hamilton section of the Waikato Expressway.”
The Crosby Road to Cambridge Road section of the Ring Road will provide a key link between Hamilton city's northern suburbs and the Waikato Expressway. Its completion will relieve congestion and support economic development in Hamilton. It will also play a critical role in ensuring that the Waikato Expressway fulfils its intended function as a key route for freight and inter-regional through traffic.
Mr Wilson says the NZTA is working closely with the Hamilton City Council to ensure the transport network in and around Hamilton is well integrated and will deliver the intended traffic improvements in a timely manner.
The combined construction cost of both Ring Road sections, including property, is estimated at $98 million.
Hamilton City Council’s City Development Manager Andrew Parsons says the forward funding will enable Council through Access Hamilton to meet the changing travel demands of the city.
“The key objective of the Ring Road is to help move people and goods around the city quickly and safely. It will keep cross-city traffic on a road system designed for that purpose. We will be able make adjustments to Hukanui and Peachgrove Roads returning them to streets more suitable for the local community and public transport,” Mr Parsons says.
