New Plymouth is one step closer to making its current congestion problems a thing of the past, with confirmation today that construction on the Vickers to City project will begin in July.
Once it’s built, the project will make it easier and safer for people to get around by improving traffic flow, reducing delays and addressing safety concerns. People will enjoy improved capacity and safety through two new bridges, better on and off road cycle routes, and upgrades to seven intersections along the road.
Regional highways manager David McGonigal says State Highway 3 between Bell Block and the city is currently affected by frequent delays, unreliable travel times and a number of crashes.
“This project will be a real boost to the local economy. This is a vital route for people getting in and out of New Plymouth City, but it’s also relied on heavily by freight moving to and from Port Taranaki and the airport. It’s also the only route to the north and east of New Plymouth, making it important to the Taranaki economy. There is a direct link between getting traffic moving and getting the economy moving, and this project will help provide that crucial link.
“We know that the people of Taranaki have been eagerly awaiting this project, and we’re delighted that in a matter of weeks we’ll be picking up the spades and getting our gumboots dirty.”
“Once complete, the public can look forward to shorter trips, fewer crashes, and journey times that are much easier to predict.”
‘Having a second bridge at Waiwhakaiho will also make the city more resilient to disruption, because it helps ensure the city won’t be brought to a standstill by a single incident such as a crash on the bridge.”
Mr McGonigal says the project will also provide dedicated facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, helping to further cement New Plymouth’s status as one of New Zealand’s top communities for people who get around on bike or on foot.
“New Plymouth is at the front of the pack when it comes to cycling, and by providing dedicated facilities we can make it even easier for people to leave the car keys at home and pick up a helmet instead.”
The Transport Agency is currently assessing tenders for the project, and will appoint the successful bidder next month. The project is expected to be completed by early 2016.
For more information please contact:
Anthony Frith
Media Manager – Central
NZ Transport Agency
T: 04 894 5251
M: 027 213 7617
E: anthony.frith@nzta.govt.nz
