NZ Transport Agency
24 August 2016
Approved $51.5 million to fund the implementation, consenting and construction of the two Matakohe bridges ($26.6m), Taipa bridge ($14.1m), and Loop Road to Smeatons Hill Project ($10.8m).
Completion of these works will provide better connectivity for Northland to Auckland and other destinations beyond in New Zealand.
The package reinforces the Transport Agency’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan, which emphasises that roading is critical for the region and affects virtually every part of the local economy. The package, particularly in relation to the four bridges located on the Twin Coast Discovery Route, supports stated tourism (visitor industry) outcomes within the economic action plan.
The individual projects in this package are supported by the Regional Transport Committee by way of their inclusion in the Regional Land Transport Plan. These projects are included in the 2015/18 National Land Transport Programme, although the construction phase for the Taipa Bridge would need to be brought forward into the current National Land Transport Programme.
The improvements will provide strategic benefits as they will enable a resilient alternative route to SH1, which has seen 25 closures in the past five years.
The package will support safe and efficient freight movement, particularly associated with forestry activity relying on SH1 for access to key ports and markets. For example, it will reduce the likelihood that freight will be diverted via a longer more costly route, or delayed until the route is re-opened.
Benefits from a wider perspective have also been taken into consideration in deciding to fund this package. These include the increased economic growth, greater access to tourist amenities, and improved social well-being of local communities that will be enabled by the revitalisation of the Twin Coast Discovery Route to become a premier tourist route.
The indicative investment profile for the package is HM 0.8 – 1.2.
