A safer solution for a notorious intersection in the Western Bay is a step closer.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council's $38.4 million application for upgrading the State Highway 2/Ōmokoroa Rd intersection will now progress to the negotiation stage of the $1 billion Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, Kāinga Ora announced yesterday.
If approved, an interim solution to "safety and capacity issues" at the intersection would be constructed, a minimum 10-year solution until funding is available for a full interchange.
Last year, the council sought $150m that would transform the busy, single-lane T-intersection into a grade-separated interchange overbridge. This was in response to the Government pulling funding for the second stage of the Takitimu North Link when it was not included in its $1.4b National Land Transport Plan for the Bay of Plenty.
The council then reduced this to $38.4m through stage two of the application process "to make our bid more competitive in an oversubscribed field of applications", Western Bay mayor Garry Webber said.
"We worked with Waka Kotahi staff to identify a less costly option, total of $48.6m, that would provide a solution for up to 15 years' growth in dwellings.
"While it is a 10-year solution until funding is available to build a full interchange this is the next best thing to try [towards] this longstanding commitment to our community of getting this project underway."
Webber said yesterday's news was a big step forward for the region.
"We aren't quite across the line just yet, but it is exciting nonetheless given the history of this infrastructure project following countless pushbacks and funding limitations.
"We are delighted Kāinga Ora see the value, and criticality, this piece of infrastructure will do to fix the safety issues of this intersection and support new housing supply in Ōmokoroa."
"The Infrastructure Acceleration Fund is a competitive process with many aspiring projects infrastructure projects right across Aotearoa New Zealand. We are grateful we have presented a case with solid evidence to get central government to understand our needs."
As part of the negotiation stage, the council will work with Kāinga Ora on some key matters including the confirmation of co-funding sources, including Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Credit: NZHerald.co.nz
