SH3 Working Party media release
27 November 2008
For immediate release
Focus On Onaero To Pio Pio Highway
The Onaero to Pio Pio section of SH3 was again under scrutiny when the SH3 Working Party met recently.
The Working Party met for the first time since the new New Zealand Transport Strategy was implemented, and travelled the
length of highway prior to their meeting in Pio Pio.
Chairman of the SH3 Working Party, Roger Maxwell says the inspection gave representatives from Taranaki and Waikato an
appreciation of the conditions faced in upgrading this section of SH3.
“During the tour members discussed the history of road developments and improvements, issues around maintenance, and
plans for future improvements.
“The future security of SH3, which provides Taranaki’s main link North, is a key focus for the Working Party. We need to
ensure that this route is maintained open and to a satisfactory level of service,” he says.
Other items included consideration of the Awakino Gorge Strategic Study, improved signage to warn of turning traffic at
Onaero Domain; and progress on the transport plans for both Waikato and Taranaki Regional Land Transport Committees. The
Working Party confirmed its support for the petition seeking better cell phone coverage along SH3.
“The Working Party is a useful forum for having discussion with our Waikato colleagues as many of these issues cross
regional boundaries,” says Mr Maxwell.
ENDS