Investigation funding approved for Rotorua Eastern Arterial

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Investigation funding for the Rotorua Eastern Arterial was approved by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board on Thursday.

Investigation funding for the Rotorua Eastern Arterial was approved by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board on Thursday.

This next stage of planning will include extensive site investigations to confirm the planned route, how the project will integrate with current and future land use, and the most appropriate design options and timing for the project.

NZTA Board member and former Rotorua Mayor, Grahame Hall says the investigation is an essential step in delivering the Rotorua Eastern Arterial. It will prepare the project for the next National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) in 2012, which will prioritise funding for the design and construction phases of the project.

Planning has been underway for many years to protect this important future transport corridor. The designation for the new route for the Rotorua Eastern Arterial has been in place since 1963.

Mr Hall says, "It is been a very long time coming and this next important step is the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people, particularly Rotorua District Council."

The Rotorua Eastern Arterial project includes a 6.4km bypass of State Highway 30 Te Ngae Road and improved facilities for buses, cyclists and pedestrians. Once completed, the project will contribute to the economic development of Rotorua by:

  • Addressing the current and future capacity needs on SH30 Te Ngae Road and the surrounding area.
  • Providing an efficient and reliable link between Rotorua, the Rotorua International Airport, Port of Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.
  • Improving travel time reliability for freight and tourists.
  • Improving safety on the existing state highway.

NZTA will award the investigation contract for the Rotorua Eastern Arterial in the New Year.

For more information please contact:

Julie Hannam
Regional Communications Advisor
NZ Transport Agency
T 07 958 7238
M 027 294 2649
www.nzta.govt.nz

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