Travelling in and out of New Plymouth is now safer and more efficient thanks to the completion of the $24 million Vickers to City upgrade project.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges says this upgrade is part of the ongoing Government commitment to supporting economic development in Taranaki.
“The Government has previously announced the $11 million realignments at Normanby, which is due for completion late this year, and up to $105 million for upgrades at Mt Messenger and Awakino, including two bypasses and associated safety improvements, which is anticipated to start construction in 2017,” says Bridges.
The Vickers to City work saw 2.8km of State Highway 3 to the north of New Plymouth’s CBD upgraded to include two lanes in each direction and two new bridges at Te Henui and Waiwhakaiho.
It also includes safer and more efficient intersections and better facilities for walking and cycling.
“Previously there were some problems with this stretch of road which was near capacity and caused undue delays and frustration for both commuters and freight transporters,” says Bridges.
“With this upgrade, road users now have a safer, more efficient route both in and out of New Plymouth,” he says.
“This is a significant development for New Plymouth that will help to support future economic growth and the ongoing land development at Bell Block and Waiwhakaiho,” says Bridges.
“Local businesses will benefit as a consequence of the easier movement of goods and services around the region. With Port Taranaki, a key local driver of growth and productivity, more natural freight movement from and around the Port will be particularly beneficial,” he says.
