The NZ Transport Agency is inviting people to attend a public information day on February 11 to learn more about progress on the Longswamp and Rangiriri sections of the Waikato Expressway Road of National Significance.
The public information day will be held at the Te Kauwhata Rugby Club, The Domain, Mahi Rd, Te Kauwhata on Wednesday 11 February, from 3pm-7pm.
Following feedback received at an open day held in January last year, the Transport Agency has been assessing options for the Longswamp project and plans to proceed with local link roads and a bridge over the Expressway.
Transport Agency Project Services Manager Peter Simcock says much of the 5.9km Longswamp section involves widening the existing two-lane highway to four lanes, while maintaining good connections for the local community.
The local link roads will significantly improve safety for motorists using both the local road network and those travelling over longer distances on the State Highway.
“The link roads improve connections for the community across the State Highway and will make those journeys much safer by separating local road traffic from State Highway traffic,” Mr Simcock said.
Construction of the Longswamp section, which will connect the existing Expressway between Mercer and Rangiriri, is on track to start in 2016. The project team will now focus on completing the detailed design for the project, obtaining the required consents and working with landowners on land acquisition.
“We’d like to encourage anyone who has an interest in the project to come along to the open day to learn more about the project,” Mr Simcock said.
Representatives of the Transport Agency and their engineering, property and resource management consultants will be available to answer questions. Feedback forms are also available for the community to have their say.
The Transport Agency expects to lodge a Notice of Requirement for alterations to the designation and resource consent applications in the middle of this year.
The 11 February open day will also have information on the progress of the Rangiriri section, due for completion late next year.
For more information please contact:
Natalie Dixon
Waikato / Bay of Plenty Media Manager
T: 07 928 7908
M: 021 928 413
E: natalie.dixon@nzta.govt.nz
