East Taupō Arterial now open to traffic

The East Taupō Arterial, a 16km highway that runs along the eastern outskirts of Taupō town, was officially opened by Hon. Steven Joyce and Sir Tumu te Heuheu today and is now open to traffic.

The estimated $114 million project, which has been in the pipeline for nearly 40 years, has been opened five months earlier than planned. The new highway will reduce holiday and event congestion through Taupō and reduce the number of heavy vehicles travelling through the Taupō CBD and along the lakefront.

Paramount Chief Ngati Tuwharetoa Sir Tumu te Heuheu and Transportation Minister Hon. Steven Joyce jointly cut the ribbon to officially open the new highway at a ceremony this afternoon.

Honourable Steven Joyce thanked everyone involved in the project, past and present. “This project will have major safety benefits, it will help Taupō connect with its lake again and will reduce heavy vehicles along the lakefront. I’m sure Taupō will embrace the opportunity and I look forward to seeing how you further develop your town.”

Taupō District Council Mayor Rick Cooper said that the East Taupō Arterial was going to create many opportunities for local businesses and that it was an exciting time for the Taupō district. He also thanked the Taupō community for their patience and support of the project over the past 40 years.

With the new road now open to traffic the NZ Transport Agency will start a review process to make the East Taupo Arterial a state highway under its management. The current SH1 route between Wairakei and the Taupo Airport will become a local road. This process is expected to take about one year.

The NZ Transport Agency provided funding assistance of 76.5% with Council’s contribution to the project approximately $25m. Council’s share is funded by the sale of land and development contributions.