Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the Government’s work to improve the country’s roads is well underway, with nearly 2200 lane kilometres resurfaced or rebuilt over the recent summer season.
The programme, backed by the Government’s $2 billion State Highway Pothole Prevention fund, is one of the largest state highway renewal efforts in New Zealand’s history.
“We are focused on ensuring government agencies are better at looking after the infrastructure assets we already have, to ensure New Zealanders get the most from their public infrastructure,” Bishop said.
“That’s why we’ve invested in road maintenance and renewals through the $2 billion State Highway Pothole Prevention fund, which ensures vital work is carried out to keep our roads safe and suitable for the people that use them.”
Between September and April, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and its contractors resurfaced or rebuilt almost 2200 lane kilometres of road. That included more than 300 lane kilometres of full rebuilds — nearly triple the amount delivered the previous summer.
“A particular highlight this past season was the State Highway 1 Tīrau to Waiouru accelerated maintenance programme, which delivered over 100 lane kilometres of road rebuilding and resealing throughout the centre of the Waikato region. Regions such as Northland, Taranaki, Manawatū and Southland each saw more than 20 lane kilometres of new roading also.”
Bishop thanked road users and contractors alike for their role in the ambitious summer maintenance campaign.
“I extend my thanks to the communities, drivers and truckies who’ve been so patient through this busy summer maintenance season, and to the contractors who’ve worked hard to get the work done to a high standard.”
He said work would continue over the next two years, with a strong focus on minimising disruption while delivering long-term improvements.
“Our focus on building new roads will continue over the next two years. We acknowledge that this work can be disruptive for road users; but the use of new construction techniques, increased use of risk-based traffic management guidance, and clear communication with the public will ensure that New Zealanders experience better journeys both during construction and after the works take place.
“Having safe, high-quality roads to drive on is critical for people getting to work, school and home safely as well as making sure our freight gets to where it needs to go in a timely manner.”
