Feedback and interest in the tolling proposal for the Tauranga Eastern Link has been strong in the first week of consultation.
Feedback and interest in the tolling proposal for the Tauranga Eastern Link has been strong in the first week of consultation.
More than 100 people took the opportunity to speak with NZ Transport Agency staff and project team members at Te Puke this week. Next week the open days move further afield to Papamoa, Whakatane and Rotorua.
The Tauranga Eastern Link is an important project for the Bay of Plenty and will bring key benefits to the region. The Eastern Link is expected to cost $455million at today’s prices, and at 23 kilometres it will be New Zealand’s longest single four lane state highway project. Without tolling, construction is most likely to start in five to 10 years. If tolling gets the go ahead it would supplement traditional funding sources enabling construction to start next year.
NZTA Waikato and Bay of Plenty regional director Harry Wilson said to date about 80 submissions had been received. The main queries had been around the location of the toll gantry and how road users will get on and off the new motorway once it is built.
Mr Wilson said it was positive to see a high level of interest in the project. He encouraged people to send in their submissions and have their say on the proposals. Submissions can be sent in through a variety of means.
Web: www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/easternlink(external link)
Email: taurangaeasternlink@nzta.govt.nz
Post to: Tauranga Eastern Link tolling consultation, Private Bag 12054, TAURANGA 3143.
Submissions close on 11 September 2009.
Presentations and open days next week are at:
Whakatane District Council
Monday 17 August – 9am to12pm
Tuesday 18 August – 2pm to 5pm
Rotorua District Council
Monday 17 August – 2pm to 5pm
Tuesday 18 August – 9am to 12pm
Papamoa Library
Wednesday 19 August – 10am to 6pm
Thursday 20 August - 10am to 6pm
Friday 21 August – 10am to 6pm
For further information please contact:
Grant Hubbard
Acting Regional Communications Advisor
NZ Transport Agency
DDI: 07 958 7238
Email: grant.hubbard@nzta.govt.nz
