The government is confirming funding for the next stage of two critical sections of the Palmerston North Rural ring road.
The two projects will improve the connections on State Highway 3 between Kairanga and Bunnythorpe, and on Napier Road, from Keith Street to Whakarongo.
“The Palmerston North Rural Ring Road is an important part of the Manawatu-Whanganui freight distribution network,” says economic development and transport minister Simon Bridges.
The rural ring road will connect the distribution hub to the Manawatu Gorge, Bulls, and the State Highway network to Wellington as well as improving the route to Whanganui.
“With 23,000 vehicles using the route between the City and Feilding every day it’s essential that this important way is developed to enable the safe movement of commuter and freight traffic,” says Bridges.
Once complete, the route will cut travel times for the movement of freight, promote economic development and make residential streets safer.
“The Manawatu region is a vital transport link through the North Island. It is essential that the network of carriage enables economic growth, not only for this region but the country,” says Bridges.
Engagement with the principal stakeholders and community representatives will commence in May 2017 with construction expected to begin early 2018.
Funding for the initial investigation of the ring road was announced as part of the Manawatu-Whanganui regional economic development action plan, Accelerate25, launched in August 2016.
