Awakino Gorge tunnel replacement project back on track

NZ Transport Agency senior manager project delivery Chris Hunt said the SH3 Awakino Tunnel bypass project was a proposed activity and would continue to be developed and delivered, subject to the Government Policy Statement priorities.

NZTA remained committed to working closely with central and local government, communities and key stakeholders to deliver solutions that met transport needs now and for the future, Hunt said in a statement in response to questions from Stuff.

‘‘We are currently seeking resource consent for the project, and details about timing will be provided at a later date,’’ he said.

Road Transport Industry Taranaki spokesman Tom Cloke said all indications from the new coalition government were to proceed with the project.

‘‘This would be great news for the Taranaki region.’’

The road transport industry has been a strong advocate for getting rid of the single-lane tunnel at the northern entrance to the gorge road.

The recent draft Government Policy Statement on land transport had been light on details as to whether the project would go ahead, Cloke said. ‘‘But as far as we are concerned, it is business as usual.’’

He said the Awakino tunnel bypass and the $245m Mt Messenger bypass were essential for the region.

‘‘They need to be built to improve the safety for road users and provide resilience for the state highway network.

‘‘All the signals point towards both projects being completed.’’

Cloke has been fronting public presentations on both projects. He said the public interest was ‘‘huge’’.

NZTA has released a draft investment proposal setting out the investment approach and proposed programme of activities across all modes of transport for the next 10 years, guided by the GPS.

The proposal outlines programmes and projects and how they will be prioritised nationally.