Unlocking economic growth, reducing travel time between Auckland and Cambridge and improving safety is the focus of a $1.821 billion investment into the Waikato's transport network, announced this week by the NZ Transport Agency. (SUBS: Week beginning 30 June)
More than half will target continued economic productivity and growth, fast-tracking the completion of the Waikato Expressway and projects such as the Hamilton Ring Road, while approximately $400 million will be spent improving safety as part of key projects.
The investment is the region's share of the $13.9 billion National Land Transport Programme, a partnership between local authorities who invest funding on behalf of local communities and the Transport Agency which invests national funding from petrol taxes, road user charges and vehicle registration and licensing fees through the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF).
The Transport Agency's acting Waikato/Bay of Plenty regional director Robert Brodnax says a large part of investment in the Waikato over the next three years recognises and supports the vital part the region plays in New Zealand's social and economic success.
"The Waikato is one of four regions including Northland, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty that make up the upper North Island, an area that is vital to the growth of our country," he says.