This policy recognises that even State Highway 1 improvements outside the main centres have been defunded. This has become a theme of National administrations. For example whilst large amounts are being spent on fixing State Highway 1 in North Canterbury after the Waiau earthquake, the option to improve SH1 is being missed (e.g. hairpin bends between Hundalee and Kaikoura) except for some areas that have been directly quake affected.
What has been evident is how regional roads such as lesser highways have been affected as well. For example the new bridges across the Waitaki River at Kurow, the Ashley River bridge at Rangiora and the Waimakariri River bridge at Bealey on SH72 to Arthurs Pass are examples of major projects of this type that should have been given much greater priority. State Highway 2 between Napier and Gisborne is another highway that needs significant improvement, the Matahorua realignment that was approved by Labour towards the end of its previous term probably would never have happened under National, while the Devils Elbow south of Tutira is long overdue to be addressed.
The road toll is likely to have increased significantly as a result of this failure to address roading needs in the regions over the past nine years. There are also a number of regions where heavy traffic such as logging trucks operates on unsealed roads that are not fit for purpose and which create significant health risks for local residents from dust.
Regional transport funding
Our regions’ roads are coming under increasing pressure, particularly from heavy traffic and tourism. Funding has not kept up with need. Roads are poorly maintained and in need of upgrading.
The road toll in the regions has risen sharply in recent years – up 40% outside of Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury in the past three years.
Despite this, NZTA funding outside the three main centres has been effectively stagnant for nine years.
Important regional transport projects are struggling to gain funding because only $70-$140m a year is set aside for them in the current Government Policy Statement.
Labour will:
- make more funding available for transport projects of regional importance by doubling the funding range of $70-$140m to $140-$280m.
This funding will be available for transport projects outside major metropolitan areas which show a regional economic benefit. Projects will include upgrades of regional state highways or, in partnership with local government, significant regional roads.
Labour is keen to work with councils to co-fund projects that would otherwise be delayed or not be built at all.
All regions will be able to benefit from this additional investment. There will be a particular focus on improvements to fix accident black spots and reduce the road toll.
