Waimakariri mayor seeks clarity on major roading projects

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

More clarity is needed around Waimakariri’s roading projects, mayor Dan Gordon says.

Gordon said he hoped to get clarity on the status of the proposed Woodend safety improvements, now that the two major political parties are promising to build the Woodend Bypass on State Highway 1.

"It is good to get some certainty around the Woodend Bypass, but we also need to ensure the safety aspects are addressed as well."

The Labour-led Government announced in August that the Woodend Bypass was included in the Government Policy Statement and was set to be included in the National Land Transport Plan 2024-27.

The National Party has also confirmed it would build the Woodend Bypass, if elected.

The Woodend safety improvements were announced in December as part of a $35 million package.

But the proposals did not include an underpass at the Pegasus roundabout for pedestrians and cyclists, which Gordon has been advocating for.

He was also seeking clarity on $19 million of funding Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency had set aside for Lineside Rd, linking Kaiapoi with Rangiora.

The council was also pushing to get a proposed eastern Rangiora link road and a replacement of Skew Bridge in west Kaiapoi included in the National Land Transport Plan.

The eastern link road would provide another link between SH1 and Rangiora, and help ease pressure on the Southbrook business area.

Gordon said the council was exploring different funding options, including the Local Government Infrastructure Financing and Funding (IFF) works programme, in a bid to speed up these projects.

"For a growth council like ours, these projects are very important to address traffic congestion. We need solutions and we need funding.

"We would rather not have to fund it all ourselves upfront because it is a burden on ratepayers."

The council last week approved funding of $1.2m to upgrade the Island and Ohoka roads intersection at Silverstream, Kaiapoi.

The funding is subject to confirmation of a 51% funding share from Waka Kotahi.

The Moving Forward: Waimakariri Integrated Transport Strategy 2035+ has also been approved by the council for consultation.

It will be open for consultation until October 1.

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