Vickers Road to New Plymouth (SH3) investigation funding

Applicant

NZ Transport Agency

Purpose

To seek the Board's approval to fund the investigation of the NZTA's Vickers Road to New Plymouth City project on SH3 in the Taranaki Region.

Date of decision

24 March 2010

Resolutions

The NZ Transport Agency Board:

  • a. approves funding for the investigation of the NZTA's Vickers Road to New Plymouth City (SH3) project at an estimated cost of $550,000 from N funds, subject to, as a condition subsequent, a hold point at confirmation of project macroscope to enable the Board to consider and endorse the preferred option for the project;
  • b. notes that the upgraded network will improve safety, address peack tome congestion, reduce travel times and travel time reliability, but will not improve route security;
  • c. notes that the construction rough order cost of the project is estimated at $28 million, the 95th percentile cost is estimated at $37 million and the 5th percentile at $26 million;
  • d. notes that the reasons for this decision are as set out in the Reasons for recommendation section and that the profile for the activity has been assessed as MML;
  • e. notes that approval of funding for the investigation of the Vickers Road to New Plymouth City project is recommended to enable designation to protect the project's footprint and that the approval of funding for investigation of the project does not signal that its construction will commence in the near future; and
  • f. agrees to take Board paper 10/03/0353 out of committee when the Board has published the notice of decision.

Reason for the decision

  1. The assessment profile for this activity has been determined as being of Medium strategic fit, Medium effectiveness and Low economic efficiency.
  2. The project will contribute to the NZ Transport Agency's Investment and Revenue Strategy, which is intended to give effect to the GPS issued May 2009. It will contribute to the economic development, access and mobility and safety objectives of the LTMA by protecting the footprint of a key transport route, which is essential for the movement of people and freight between New Plymouth and the north.
  3. NZTA and New Plymouth District Council are limited in their ability to respond to development pressure without a designation giving a clear indication of the land required. Examples of such pressure in 2009 include potential motel development at the city end of the section and a sub-division consolidating industrial holdings immediately adjacent to the Waiwhakaiho Bridge on land which is highly likely to be needed for construction.
  4. Detailed investigation of the project is necessary to determine the extent of that designation and to identify any consent requirements.

We confirm that the matters in sections 20(2) and 20(5) of the LTMA have been satisfied, and that the matters in section 20(3) have been taken into account.

If you would like details of how the assessment profile for this activity was determined, please email us at boardsecretariat@nzta.govt.nz.