The New Zealand Government is to invest US$6.4 billion (NZ$9.17 billion) into New Zealand’s state highway network over the next four years through the 6296 New Zealand Transport Agency, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.
The government’s 2017 budget includes funding for the reinstatement of damaged sections of State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch following the Kaikōura earthquakes. It also includes many other key projects such as completion of Auckland’s ring road, Northern and Southern Corridor State Highway 1 improvements in Auckland and Northern Arterial and the Southern Motorway Extension in Christchurch, among others.
The Government also expects to open 540 new lane kilometres of state highways over the next four years.
“This essential investment not only provides for a more resilient and safer transport system, but the increased network capacity supports economic growth throughout New Zealand,” Mr Bridges says.
