Latest news with #RoNS
Scoop
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
110km/h Speed Limit Consultation Begins For SH1 Transmission Gully And Raumati Straights
Press Release – New Zealand Government This is all part of the Coalition Governments agenda to deliver the infrastructure needed to grow the economy, reduce travel times and increase the productivity of our transport network. Were committed to providing state highways that help people … Minister of Transport Transport Minister Chris Bishop is encouraging New Zealanders to have their say in public consultation that begins today on increasing speed limits for SH1 Transmission Gully and Raumati Straights to 110km/h. 'Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government's plan to rebuild the economy and this proposal supports that outcome by reducing travel times and increasing efficiency on this vital route between Wellington and the lower and central North Island,' Mr Bishop says. 'With around 22,000 vehicles using the road daily, it provides important regional resilience and a safe, modern, reliable route for all road users. Transmission Gully is one of the first Roads of National Significance (RoNS) announced by the former National Government in 2009 and is the main gateway to Wellington. 'Transmission Gully was designed and constructed to a high safety standard. This is reflected in the low crash numbers on the road since opening in 2022. It has safety features that greatly reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash, like two lanes in each direction, and flexible median barrier between opposing lanes. Since opening, there have been over 150 barrier strikes but no deaths 'Along with Transmission Gully, the NZ Transport Agency will also be consulting on Raumati Straights, which connects Transmission Gully with Kāpiti Expressway. By consulting on this section now, we can finalise a decision on appropriate speed limits quicker, ahead of possible safety improvements on the section. 'This is all part of the Coalition Government's agenda to deliver the infrastructure needed to grow the economy, reduce travel times and increase the productivity of our transport network. We're committed to providing state highways that help people get where they need to go quickly and safely.' Consultation on raising the speed limit for SH1 Transmission Gully and Raumati Straights to 110km/h begins on Friday 30 May and will last six weeks. You can find more on the NZTA website here: Content Sourced from Original url
Scoop
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
110km/h Speed Limit Consultation Begins For SH1 Transmission Gully And Raumati Straights
Minister of Transport Transport Minister Chris Bishop is encouraging New Zealanders to have their say in public consultation that begins today on increasing speed limits for SH1 Transmission Gully and Raumati Straights to 110km/h. 'Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government's plan to rebuild the economy and this proposal supports that outcome by reducing travel times and increasing efficiency on this vital route between Wellington and the lower and central North Island,' Mr Bishop says. 'With around 22,000 vehicles using the road daily, it provides important regional resilience and a safe, modern, reliable route for all road users. Transmission Gully is one of the first Roads of National Significance (RoNS) announced by the former National Government in 2009 and is the main gateway to Wellington. 'Transmission Gully was designed and constructed to a high safety standard. This is reflected in the low crash numbers on the road since opening in 2022. It has safety features that greatly reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash, like two lanes in each direction, and flexible median barrier between opposing lanes. Since opening, there have been over 150 barrier strikes but no deaths 'Along with Transmission Gully, the NZ Transport Agency will also be consulting on Raumati Straights, which connects Transmission Gully with Kāpiti Expressway. By consulting on this section now, we can finalise a decision on appropriate speed limits quicker, ahead of possible safety improvements on the section. 'This is all part of the Coalition Government's agenda to deliver the infrastructure needed to grow the economy, reduce travel times and increase the productivity of our transport network. We're committed to providing state highways that help people get where they need to go quickly and safely.' Consultation on raising the speed limit for SH1 Transmission Gully and Raumati Straights to 110km/h begins on Friday 30 May and will last six weeks. You can find more on the NZTA website here: Using Scoop for work? Scoop is free for personal use, but you'll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features. Join Pro Individual Find out more
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Progress On The SH1 Belfast To Pegasus Motorway And Woodend Bypass Project
Minister of Transport Hon James Meager Minister for the South Island Associate Minister of Transport Work is moving at pace on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass project, with geotech work beginning this week, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Minister for the South Island and Associate Transport Minister James Meager say. 'The Government is committed to supporting the fast-growing Waimakariri District. This much needed transport infrastructure will boost economic growth, reduce congestion, improve safety and access to housing growth areas. SH1 approaching Woodend currently carries around 21,500 vehicles per day, of which nine percent is freight. The traffic volume is expected to reach 28,000 vehicles per day by 2048. There have been 280 crashes on SH1 through Woodend between 2014 and 2023, with three fatalities and 25 serious injuries,' Mr Bishop says. 'The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board endorsed the investment case for the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance in November 2024, which proposes: Widening the southern section of the existing SH1 from two to four lanes. A new four-lane motorway bypass in the northern section. A grade separated interchange at the Williams Street intersection with SH1. Replace the Pegasus roundabout with an overbridge and signalised intersection. Kaiapoi Bridge seismic strengthening and widening. Construction of new bridges over the Cam River and overbridges at Woodend Beach Road and Gladstone Road. Tolling to support the construction and maintenance of the road. 'In addition to endorsing the investment case in November last year, the NZTA Board also approved $68.1 million in initial funding to complete detailed design work and advance an early works package, as well as around $37 million for property acquisition. Further funding to begin and complete main construction will be considered by the NZTA Board in due course. 'Delivering this project has substantial benefits, including a three-minute travel time saving along the state highway, and up to 10 minutes at peak. It is also expected to reduce traffic through Woodend from 21,000 vehicles per day to 8,000, and a reduction in deaths and serious injuries from 5.6 to 1.25 per year. 'The investment case endorsed by the NZTA Board sets an investment envelope between $800 million and $1 billion to design, consent, and construct the project. 'The Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 (GPS) requires NZTA to consider tolling for all new RoNS. The investment case confirms tolling is possible and the revenue will support the construction and maintenance of the road. The Government will consider this recommendation and announce next steps of the process in due course.' 'NZTA is continuing to move at pace on the project with the detailed design contract awarded to Aurecon and Tonkin + Taylor in March this year. Getting geotech works underway is an essential part of the design phase of the project and will involve drilling around 70 boreholes up to 35 metres deep and digging pits at individual sites within the construction area,' Mr Meager says. 'The geotechnical investigations will look at ground conditions, including soil and rock types, groundwater depths and the strength of soil and rock. This work will take around two months to complete. 'Once geotechnical data is available, NZTA will confirm the scope and design of an early works package and prepare and lodge consent applications. The early works package will likely begin in early 2026, while main construction is likely to begin later in 2026. The project is expected to take four years to complete. 'SH1 is a nationally strategic freight route and provides critical access to Christchurch City, Christchurch International Airport, Lyttelton Port, and the major health, education, commercial and industrial services in the Canterbury region. Delivering the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance will significantly improve reliability of the corridor and ensure people and freight can get where they need to go, quickly and safely. 'I want to thank local Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey, Banks Peninsula MP Vanessa Weenink, Kaikoura MP Stuart Smith and Mayor Dan Gordon who have been a staunch advocates of this project, as well as wider Canterbury MPs Hamish Campbell and Nicola Grigg. I know we're all looking forward to seeing more progress in the months and years ahead as we move into construction as soon as possible.'
NZ Autocar
26-04-2025
- Business
- NZ Autocar
Mill Road funding approved but may involve tolling
Transport Minister, Chris Bishop, says that NZTA has now endorsed the investment case for the first stage of the Mill Road redevelopment. The Board has approved $91.1m for completing the design work and securing consents on Stage One. Construction of this Road of National Significance will take place in three stages. 'South Auckland is the fastest growing area in the Auckland region, with 120,000 more people expected to make it their home over the next 30 years. We need to get on and deliver crucial transport infrastructure that supports that kind of growth…' Mr Bishop says. 'Mill Road is one of 17 Roads of National Significance (RoNS) this Government is progressing,' he added. The investment case for Mill Road Stage 1 (Manukau to Alfriston) includes: A four-lane (general traffic) corridor including a westbound bus lane at the northern end; Two new and six upgraded intersections between SH1 interchange and Murphys Road; Three new roundabouts; New bridges across Puhinui Creek and Cheesman's Bush; The existing Mill Road south of Redoubt Road becomes a shared path and property access road. 'Delivering Mill Road Stage 1 has substantial benefits, including a 30 percent reduction in congestion on the corridor…', said Bishop. It should also deliver a significant reduction in deaths and serious injuries from crashes. By 2031, it will also mean significantly faster journey times, once construction is complete. Building stage one is scheduled to begin midway through next year. Mill Road Stage 1 covers a range of different environments, including urban and rural areas. There are also locations that require more technical assessments. 'NZTA is planning on dividing the construction of Stage 1 into different packages so they can start work sooner in places where there is more certainty around the existing environment.' 'The plan is to focus on Stage 1b from Hollyford Drive to Hilltop Road, along with a piece of work to the south (Stage 1d). Stage 1a and Stage 1c will be delivered later.' Technical work to secure the route protection and other approvals for future Stages 2 and 3 will begin from mid-2026. The investment case confirms tolling is possible and the Government will decide on this in due course. 'South Auckland is the fastest growing area in the region, and we need to get on and deliver transport infrastructure that supports this growth' said the minister.
Scoop
23-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Progress On Mill Road Stage One
Press Release – New Zealand Government Minister of Transport Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board's endorsement of the investment case for Stage One of Mill Road, a crucial Road of National Significance. The Board has endorsed the investment case and approved $91.1 million for completing the design work and securing consents on Stage One. 'South Auckland is the fastest growing area in the Auckland region, with 120,000 more people expected to make it their home over the next 30 years. We need to get on and deliver crucial transport infrastructure that supports that kind of growth, reduces congestion, improves safety, and helps unlock housing,' Mr Bishop says. 'Mill Road is one of 17 Roads of National Significance (RoNS) this Government is progressing, and the NZTA Board's endorsement of the investment case and approval of design and consent funding for Stage 1 is a direct result of our focus to streamline the business case process and get projects into delivery faster. The investment case for Mill Road Stage 1 (Manukau to Alfriston) includes: Four lane (general traffic) corridor including a westbound bus lane at the northern end. Two new and six upgraded intersections between SH1 interchange and Murphys Road. Three new roundabouts. New bridges across Puhinui Creek and Cheesman's Bush. Current Mill Road south of Redoubt Road becomes a shared path and property access road. 'Delivering Mill Road Stage 1 has substantial benefits, including a 30 percent reduction in congestion on the corridor, over 60 percent reduction in deaths and serious injuries, and by 2031, 25 percent faster journey times. 'The endorsement of the investment case and approval of design and consent funding for Stage 1 provides certainty on the next steps as the project moves to complete the design and technical work necessary for construction to begin as early as mid-2026. 'In order to deliver benefits for the people, communities and businesses of South Auckland as soon as possible, NZTA are planning on dividing the construction of Stage 1 in different construction packages so they can start work sooner in places where there is more certainty around the existing environment. 'Mill Road Stage 1 covers a range of different environments, including sections that are highly urban, through to rural areas, as well as locations that require more technical assessments to determine the most appropriate design and construction methods. 'The plan is to focus on Stage 1b from Hollyford Drive to Hilltop Road, along with a piece of work to the south (Stage 1d), which includes roundabout improvements around the Mill Road Alfriston area. Stage 1a between State Highway 1 (SH1) and Hollyford Drive and Stage 1c from Hilltop Road to north of Alfriston will be delivered later. 'Mill Road has a long history, including a confirmed designation for Stage 1 obtained in 2016. NZTA is working at pace to build on earlier designs with a focus on improving the efficiency and resilience of the corridor, and increasing capacity to deliver faster, more reliable journey times. The project will also seek to obtain statutory approvals, likely via the Fast Track Approvals Act, and this will be confirmed in coming months. 'Technical work to secure the route protection and other approvals for future Stages 2 and 3 is scheduled to begin from mid-2026. 'The Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 (GPS) also requires NZTA to consider tolling for all new RoNS. The investment case confirms tolling is possible and the revenue will support the construction and maintenance of the road. If tolled, Mill Road Stage 1 has a Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 2.2, and un-tolled the BCR is 3.1. The Government will consider this recommendation and announce next steps of the process in due course. 'The investment case for Mill Road Stage 1 has shown it represents a strong case for investment delivering substantial benefits. Taking a staged approach to delivery and spreading investment over multiple National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) periods, helps focus delivery of priority benefits sooner, and delivers a strong pipeline of work for the construction sector into the future. 'NZTA recently opened a Registration of Interest (ROI) for the first package of technical works, which will help move Stage 1 closer to construction. 'South Auckland is the fastest growing area in the region, and we need to get on and deliver transport infrastructure that supports this growth. I want to thank local MPs Hon Judith Collins, Rima Nakhle and Hon Simeon Brown for their advocacy of this important project, and I know we all look forward to seeing more progress in the months and years ahead as Mill Road Stage 1 moves into construction as soon as possible.' Notes Key features of the Stage 1 design include: Two lanes in each direction, including a westbound bus lane from Everglade Drive to SH1 interchange New intersections at Alexia Place and Bartells Drive Signalisation of the intersections at Diorella Drive, Goodwood Drive, Hilltop Road and Murphys Road Upgraded signals at the Hollyford Drive and Everglade Drive intersection Roundabouts to connect parts of the new Mill Road with Redoubt Road, Ranfurly Road and Alfriston Road New bridges across Puhinui Creek and Cheesman's Bush Original Mill Road south of Redoubt Road to become a shared path and property access road only Project outcomes Economic benefits: less congestion and quicker journey times, supporting economic growth and productivity (by 2031, 25% faster journey times, 3 mins quicker Alfriston to SH1 in the morning peak, 7 mins quicker SH1 to Alfriston in the evening peak. 30% reduction in congestion on the corridor). Safety improvements: reduced crash risk at intersections connecting the corridor and local roads (over 60% reduction in deaths and serious injuries). Network resilience: viable alternative to SH1 during unplanned incidents, supporting faster network recovery across the region and reducing economic impact.
