There is currently no physical barrier between road traffic and pedestrians using the Waipawa Bridge. Photo by Warren Buckland
There is currently no physical barrier between road traffic and pedestrians using the Waipawa Bridge. Photo by Warren Buckland
A clip-on footpath for the Waipawa Bridge is on Waka Kotahi's "possibles" list for the next three years, as part of $36.71m funding approved by its National Land Transport Fund.
Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Alex Walker says: "There is currently no physical barrier between road traffic and pedestrians using thebridge. The clip-on is on Waka Kotahi's possible list for the next three years - from a safety point of view we think it's a no-brainer and will complete the new path currently under construction between Waipukurau and Waipawa."
The investment in Central Hawke's Bay's 1,265km transport network for the next three years has been confirmed by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Despite many other councils around New Zealand struggling to gain approval for their portion of this year's National Land Transport Fund, Central Hawke's Bay had its entire $36.71m programme.
Mayor Walker said the funding was vital to council's plans to deliver on the levels of service in its Long-Term Plan.
"Waka Kotahi's funding contributes an average of 60 per cent of our land transport budget via the 'Funding Assistance Rate' and allows our rates contribution of $4.89m per year to stretch considerably further than it would if we were on our own. It is a challenge to maintain such a large network, and to an acceptable standard.
"Despite that, roading rates and investment activities are the biggest in our whole council business, and are vital to how our district and economy operates."
The new path between Waipukurau and Waipawa is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Hawke's Bay Today Photo by Warren Buckland
She said the funding covers a range of activities to maintain, renew, operate and improve the land transport system. Specific work includes structural maintenance (eg to bridges and culverts), as well as maintenance to rural and urban roads (eg potholes, culverts, signage, sweeping). It also includes council's participation in the national "Road to Zero" campaign to improve safety for community and road users.
Mayor Walker said the council was also looking forward to completion of the footpath between Waipukurau and Waipawa, including the extra funding for the clip-on footpath for Waipawa Bridge.
Full details of the investments, including regional breakdowns, can be found at www.nzta.govt.nz/nltp
