KEY POINTS:
Earlier-than-expected construction starts have been flagged for two big Auckland motorway projects as part of a $2.4 billion national land transport budget announced last night.
Land Transport NZ funding allocations will allow construction to start before Christmas on the previously delayed 6km motorway bypass of Hobsonville, costing $198 million, and on a $150 million replacement of the earthquake-vulnerable Newmarket Viaduct.
But roading contractors are concerned more money has not been allocated for highway maintenance, and there is uncertainty over a funding arrangement for a long-awaited 15km highway bypass of Taupo.
Transit NZ has been relieved of its share of that $110 million project, leaving Taupo District Council to consider an undisclosed alternative subsidy offer from Land Transport.
Details were unavailable last night but one Wellington source suggested the new arrangement might allow the project to be completed earlier than if it had to wait in line with other state highway projects, in which case it could take until 2011.
Good news for Auckland is a Land Transport allocation of $780 million for the financial year starting next week.
That's an increase of $221 million, which does not count more than $1 billion of Government money being spent directly on the region's rail upgrade projects between now and 2013.
Transit will gain $354 million next year from Land Transport for new motorway construction in Auckland, and $67 million to maintain its existing network.
Local councils in the region will also gain $98 million for new roading projects - up from $34 million - including $11 million for design work on the $1.5 billion package for the Tamaki Edge suburbs known as the Auckland Manukau East Transport Initiative.
Public transport spending for the region is down $7 million to $139 million but Land Transport says that is because most of the $290 million Northern Busway project has been completed.
That is also a big factor behind a national 12.6 per cent decline in national spending on public transport, to $262.8 million, as is a staggered funding arrangement for new Wellington trains.
