Link will bring multiple benefits to region

Sandra Hazlehurst, Havelock North, candidate for the Hastings District Council. 08 September 2016 NEWS Hawke's Bay Today Photograph SUPPLIED HBG 13Sep16 - HBG 17Sep16 - HBG 17Sep16 -

It's been five years since the Whakatu Arterial Link was identified as a vital roading infrastructure project for the region, and there's high hopes for the economic and safety benefits it will bring.

In 2012, it was identified in the Heretaunga Plains Transportation Study as the highest ranked of 30 projects under investigation and its aims were to enhance the movement of goods and people between SH2 North of Pakowhai Rd, the Whakatu industrial area and the Port of Napier.

As well as making the route safer, it was designed to enable industries to expand in Whakatu, including the development of a freight distribution centre to supply the port, and draw heavy traffic away from residential areas in Clive and Whakatu and scenic areas such as Napier's Marine Parade.

The economic benefits of the new road and distribution centre were identified in a 2012 study conducted by Economic Solutions, which predicted the growth rate in Whakatu would increase from 1.5 per cent to 5 per cent.

At a cost of $26 million, it was also tipped to play a part in the creation of 2477 jobs in the Hastings district over 30 years, and 3100 across the region as a whole, and would create $37m savings in terms of travel time and $9.7m vehicle operating cost savings, through offering a shorter, smoother ride from Havelock North to Hawke's Bay airport.

Hastings acting mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said these benefits were major motivators behind the project.

"It's one of the biggest, most significant roading projects for Hastings and Hawke's Bay in a very long time - it's more than just a road," she said.

At the start she said road safety, getting the big trucks off Whakatu's main street, was a prime motivator, along with the potential economic benefits, but it would also bring other community benefits.

"In addition to the road, we will be increasing the Iway cycling network as up until now it's been very difficult to provide a safe connection for people.

"This has also brought government funding opportunities through its new initiative to increase cycling networks."

People were also delighted about the realignment of the Karamu Stream that was part of the development, she said.

"It's not just about roading, it will have effects on the natural values around the Clive and Whakatu communities."

She noted that one of the most successful outcomes of the five-year project to date had been the consultation process with the community all the way along.

"It's been a really inclusive project and has allowed people to ensure they are fully understanding and involved in the decision making."

Napier deputy mayor Faye White said it was the largest project since the expressway was built and that it had always been seen as creating good connectivity for the region, getting large vehicles directly to the port and off residential streets.

"The benefits will start in Hastings but will definitely flow over to Napier because of that connectivity."

These included a more direct route for trucks, diverting them from Marine Parade.

With the city seeing increasing tourism, any good transport link that helped people move around the region, would add to this potential, she said.