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 23km will be the longest ever single roading contract in New Zealand. 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.
Email: taurangaeasternlink@nzta.govt.nz
Post to: Tauranga Eastern Link tolling consultation, Private Bag 12054, TAURANGA 3143.
Submissions close on 11 September 2009.
