Expressway concerns mounting

Leaders in the central region are frustrated and disappointed with the lack of progress on the O¯ taki to north of Levin expressway, and have come together to demand the Government steps in.

The New Zealand Transport Agency has revealed there is no funding for the expressway project and there may not be funding available to determine the final route of the new road until after 2024.

Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith said he was prepared to call on the Government to help advocate for the expressway.

It was ‘‘untenable’’ that the first part of the project had been put on hold.

‘‘As a region, we have been consulting with [the transport agency] for some time. Clearly we now need to engage central Government.’’

The preferred route for the expressway was announced in December, but there has been little progress on the project since. There are 311 properties, owned by 253 people, within the agency’s preferred corridor.

Smith said the expressway was needed to help freight and people navigate ‘‘safely and efficiently along the state highway network’’.

Horowhenua District Council chief executive David Clapperton said there was a furore mounting in Horowhenua, especially among those who had properties inside the expressway corridor. ‘‘Not only have livelihoods continued to be put on hold, the changing variables make it difficult for [the] council to make long-term plans for the benefit of our district.’’

Whanganui mayor Hamish Mcdouall said the expressway would be a significant part of the state highway system, linking Wellington to the central North Island and beyond. Transmission Gully’s opening next year would only worsen traffic problems.

‘‘Fast, efficient and safe roading networks [are] vital for not just our region’s economy, but for the rest of the country.’’