Northern Arterial Route still a Regional Priority despite NZTA Decision

The development of the Northern Arterial Route (NAR) is still likely to go ahead despite a change in funding policy from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) announced today.

The new policy places greater priority on economic efficiency and nationally significant routes than regional projects.

While the NZTA has allocated funding for the design of the NAR to go ahead, it has pushed the money for construction outside the latest three year land transport funding plan.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says this does not mean the NAR will won’t get funding at all.

“While we are disappointed that we have not received early funding commitment for the construction of the NAR project, the practical reality is that it was unlikely to be ready for construction in the next one or two years anyway - given where we are at in the planning process and likelihood of appeals to the environment court”.

“This funding decision gives Hastings District Council a chance to complete the planning and design process to allow for an early start in the next three year programme.”

“NZTA funding is reviewed annually so if we are ready earlier than expected we could ask for the funding to be advanced inside the three year period,” Mayor Yule says.

“The NAR is a critical infrastructure project for Hawke’s Bay. The NZTA may have decided it’s not an immediate priority but Hawke’s Bay will fight hard to get this road constructed as soon as possible.”

On the brighter side, NZTA has confirmed funding over the next three years for some significant Hawke’s Bay projects, including the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Southern Extension, Matahorua Gorge Realignment and the sealing of the Napier-Taihape Road.

NZTA has also reserved funding for the four-laning of Prebensen Drive in Napier, the completion of the Dillons Hill Realignment, investigations into the replacement of the Waitangi Washout Bridge at Awatoto and the Napier Road/Pilchers Road intersections with State Highway 2.

“The change in NZTA’s policy on a national scale may have broader implications across the region as to how other projects are funded. Hastings District Council, along with the other members of the Regional Land Transport Committee will be looking carefully at what those implications are,” Mayor Yule says.