NZTA investing in life of ETA

NZTA have put up an extra $3.8 million to fund the use of ‘foam bitumen’, a longer lasting road surface, for the East Taupo Arterial.

The foam bitumen reinforced pavement is a harder wearing road surface that will reduce ongoing maintenance activity and cost. Foam bitumen has been used extensively in the Waikato, most recently on a stretch of SH1 between Link Rd and Palmer Mill Rd north of Taupo.

Taupo District Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency have been working actively with the ETA contractor Fulton Hogan to provide the best possible outcome for the road, and are pleased to announce that the go ahead has been given to use this new technology. NZTA will take possession of the ETA upon completion.

The additional costs for the foam bitumen will be fully funded by NZTA. Mayor Rick Cooper says this is another good example of Council and NZTA working together to get the best results for all road users. “And at no additional cost to the ratepayer, a very good outcome.”