The Government has confirmed support for the next stage of the Rangiora Eastern Link project in North Canterbury, with NZ Transport Agency approving $4.5 million towards detailed design and property acquisition.
Associate Transport Minister and South Island Minister James Meager says the funding will help progress development of a new 3km road connecting east Rangiora to State Highway 71 and Lineside Rd.
The funding represents a 51% contribution towards the initial stages of the project, with the Waimakariri District Council covering the remaining costs.
Meager says the link will provide an alternative route in and out of Rangiora and help ease congestion on Southbrook Rd, which currently carries more than 23,000 vehicles a day.
“With about 5000 new dwellings expected by 2048, including two major developments starting from 2028, further pressure will go on the area’s existing roads,” Meager says.
“The Rangiora Eastern Link is a common-sense project 25 years in the making and will be hugely significant for the town and wider North Canterbury region.”
The NZTA board has also endorsed the council’s business case for the project, which is estimated to cost between $65.5m and $78.8m overall.
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey says residents had repeatedly raised concerns about congestion in the area.
“Residents have been raising with me the issue of congestion at Southbrook so it’s a real win their voices have been heard by the National Government,” Doocey says.
The council is expected to seek further NZTA funding support once detailed design and land acquisition work is completed.
