NZCID On National Party's Transport Announcement

5 September 2005

National Party Commitment to Completing Auckland Motorway Links within 8 Years Critical Step Forward

Media release, 3 September 2005 "Today's announcement that a National led government will complete Auckland's core motorway network within eight years represents a significant break through", says NZCID Chief Executive Stephen Selwood.

"NZCID agrees that completion of Auckland's Harbour Bridge to City project and the Western Ring Route are the nation's most important roading priorities, and it is right that these be given immediate commitment.

"There is also a raft of roading projects on a national basis that should be brought forward in a similar fashion.

"These include Wellington's Transmission Gully / Centennial Highway, Tauranga's Strategic Roading Network, Christchurch's Southern and Northern Motorway extensions, SH1 Waikato Expressway, SH2 Maramarua Expressway, and Nelson's Southern Link.

"Plans should also be advanced for an additional Auckland harbour crossing and development of the eastern transport corridor in Auckland.

"Only some of these projects currently sit on Transit's 10 year forecast and on current plans most will only be partially completed.

"There is also urgent need for remedial repair of the national rail network as well as for substantial investment in public passenger transport in the major metropolitan areas.

"While both National and Labour have emphasized the significance of infrastructural investment to securing social and economic growth, this requires a commitment to ensuring the necessary funds, resources and approvals are put in place to make sure that happens.

"National's commitment today is a clear statement of that intent", Selwood says.

ENDS

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