Good progress on motorway MP Guy says

O¯ taki MP Nathan Guy is impressed with progress on the 27km-long, $850m Transmission Gully Motorway, after seeing it last week.

“Despite a slow start the construction is roaring ahead and the workforce is ready to upsize again with more stable weather approaching over the summer.

“Currently 300 workers are busy on jobs like operating earthmoving gear, building structures, and beginning to plant two million native plants. This will increase to 1000 workers over the summer and it’s a great opportunity for local workers to get upskilled.

“It was amazing to see the bridge building at Cannons Creek that is technically very challenging because of the depth of the viaduct and difficult terrain. Many of the concrete beams needed for the 27 structures along the motorway, and culvert pipes are being sourced from Ka¯ piti, which is helping to grow local jobs.

“The Gateway Partnership is on track to open the new motorway in mid to late 2020, and it’s up to the coalition Government whether it’s a toll road or not. My concern is despite the National Government’s vision to invest in Transmission Gully.

“The current coalition Government doesn’t like building new roads and traffic will be at a standstill at Ngauranga Gorge and entering Levin when the ribbon is cut in 2020. This lack of foresight will slow economic growth in Horowhenua and unfortunately bad road crashes will continue.”