Media release
Design funding for Wairere Drive 4-laning project

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has approved $1,072,500 funding (55% of the $1,950,000 project) for the investigation and design phases of the Access Hamilton, Wairere Drive 4-Laning – Pukete Road to Resolution Drive – project.

The project involves widening and improvement of the 2.1km section of Wairere Drive (Pukete Road to Resolution Drive) from two lanes to four lanes. It will include signalised intersections at Pukete Road and River Road and the addition of a clip-on pedestrian and cyclist facility to the existing Pukete Bridge.

Projects and programmes engineer Anita Ferguson says consultation with key significant stakeholders has begun.

“Consultation is a key part of the design process and it has already influenced preliminary plans. We are planning to hold Public Open Days on 17/18 February 2009. Construction will be subject to timing and availability of funding from Council (LTCCP) and NZTA.

“An objective of the project is to achieve a positive aesthetic outcome within the constraints that affect design, construction and operation. This will take into account the underlying cultural, ecology and landscape features providing a pleasing visual link between Wairere Drive and the Waikato River.”

The four laning of the section from Te Rapa Road to Pukete Road was completed earlier this year as part of the upgrade to the state highway network.

“The continuation of the 4-laning along Wairere Drive is urgently needed to alleviate the current and growing traffic congestion in the area and it is a critical link across the river.”

Wairere Drive is a key component of Hamilton’s arterial ring road. The greater Wairere Drive corridor is planned to stretch from Te Rapa Road (SH1) in the west to Cobham Drive (SH1) in the south.

ENDS

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