The NZ Transport Agency Board meets monthly from February to December. The board has three committees, which meet every two to three months.

Board and committee meeting dates, times and venues, 2016

Cycling in Blenheim contributes to improving transport options, providing a more efficient and integrated transport network, improving health, economic and social outcomes and liveability.

With assistance from Bike Walk Marlborough and Marlborough Roads, Marlborough District Council is developing a safe, convenient and integrated network to encourage more people to choose walking and cycling as an active and healthy way to get around. The programme will link residential areas with schools, the CBD, workplaces, wineries and other key destinations.

In Blenheim, the Urban Cycleways Fund will be investing in the Spring Creek, Taylor River path and Eltham/Beaver Road cycle link projects. All cycling infrastructure will be complemented with cycling education and training.

Download the Blenheim Urban Cycleways map

Spring Creek

This 2.4km2.8km off-road shared path will extend the existing high-quality facility between Blenheim and Grovetown through to Spring Creek. This high-priority project for the Marlborough District will bring Spring Creek and its residents into the Blenheim cycling network and provide off-road access to the Spring Creek and Grovetown schools, both within 500m of the route. In addition, this project will also provide a path for people who would otherwise cycle on State Highway 1.

Benefits

This off-road facility will provide a safer route for students and others to cycle between Spring Creek and Blenheim, separated from the high-speed traffic along State Highway 1. This new facility will help to encourage new people to cycle, many of whom lack the confidence or experience to cycle the existing state highway. The off-road path will encourage more Spring Creek residents to cycle to work and school. The route will also provide increased safety for recreational cyclists.

Construction is anticipated to begin in August 2016 and be completed by November 2016.

B. Taylor River path

This 2.6km off-road cycle path will extend the existing popular route along the Taylor River further to the south, linking more residential areas in south Blenheim to the CBD. The existing section already caters for a considerable number of pedestrians and cyclists, many of whom are travelling to the colleges to the northwest of the town. This project will increase the catchment area for the path and offer a safer and more pleasant alternative to the road network.

Benefits

This off-road cycle path will provide a safer commuting option for over 1700 students to cycle to school, and for commuters to cycle to work in the CBD. The attractive cycling route will improve the transport choice for residents in south Blenheim travelling to the CBD. The route is expected to attract over 400 people each day when complete.

Construction is anticipated to begin in October 2016 and be completed by December 2016.

Eltham/Beaver Road cycle link

This 1.5km route will consist of a 500m separated two-way cycle path on the eastern side of Eltham Road and traffic calming measures on Beaver Road. This path will provide direct access to Whitney Street School and nearby St Mary’s School and connect Eltham Road to Taylor River path, via Carr Street and Beaver Road.

Benefits

This separated cycle path will offer a safer cycle route for the 500 students that attend Whitney Street and St Mary’s schools. It will also encourage more people to cycle to the Taylor River reserve path to reach the town centre and other destinations in the area. This route is expected to attract around 200 people each day.

Construction is anticipated to begin in January 2018 and be completed by March 2018.

Our partners

How do I change the address for my vehicle?

The easiest way to change your address is online.

You’ll need your New Zealand driver licence number, and the plate numbers of any vehicles in your name. You can update your address for your driver licence at the same time.

If you don’t have a New Zealand driver licence number, you’ll need to call us on 0800 822 422 to update your address.

If you want to change the address of a company you can complete the Change of vehicle address – organisation form and email it to us. You’ll need your NZ Transport Agency customer number.

What do I do if I have sold my car?

You need to let the Transport Agency know so we can take it out of your name.

The quickest and easiest way to do this is online.

If you don’t let us know, then you could end up getting someone else’s fines and infringements. We recommend that you let us know you've sold the vehicle before you had the keys over to the buyer. 

Find out more about selling a vehicle

What do I do if I have bought a car?

You need to let the Transport Agency know when you have bought a vehicle so we can record you as the registered person.

As the registered person you're responsible for your vehicle and for meeting the requirements that allow you to drive legally on the road. This includes keeping it in safe condition, and paying the licensing fees and any traffic or parking infringements. 

The quickest and easiest way to let us know you've bought a vehicle is online.

Find out more about buying a vehicle

What do I do if I have sold my car to a wrecker?

When a vehicle is taken off the road permanently, its registration needs to be cancelled. 

If you have already sold your vehicle to a wrecker, then you need to let us know that you have sold it. It is then the wrecker's responsibility to cancel the vehicle's registration. 

If you want to cancel the vehicle's registration before selling it to the wrecker, you will need to cancel the vehicle's registration at a registration agent and hand in the vehicle's number plates. 

If there are outstanding licensing (rego) fees owing on the vehicle, you will need to pay these after you have let us know you've sold it or when you cancel the registration.

Find out more about cancelling a vehicle's registration

Why have I received a payment demand?

Most vehicles have to be continuously licensed, so if a vehicle's licence (rego) expires and isn't renewed the fees will be overdue.

We send out payment demands when fees are overdue and a vehicle is then sold or its registration cancelled. The person recorded as the registered person for the vehicle before it was sold or cancelled will need to pay the outstanding fees.

The fees on the payment demand need to be paid within 14 days. If they are not paid within that time, they could be referred to a debt collection agency.

You will need to call us on 0800 108 809 to pay by credit card, or you can send a cheque or money order to us. You can find payment instructions on the payment demand. 

What is continuous vehicle licensing (CVL)?

Most vehicles must be licensed at all times. This means you need to keep your rego up-to-date.

If you let your rego expire and don’t renew it, you won’t be able to legally drive your vehicle on the road. You could be fined for not having a current licence, and after 12 months your vehicle’s registration will be cancelled.

When you do renew your rego, you will have to pay backdated rego fees right back until the date the last rego expired, as well as the fees for the next rego.

If you’re not going to be using your vehicle on the road for a while, you can put it on exemption so you don’t have to pay rego fees. There is a minimum period of three months for an exemption.

There are a few vehicles that don’t have to be licensed all the time, such as agricultural tractors and ATVs. This means that they still have to have a current rego if you are using them on the road, but you can let the rego lapse if they are not going to be used on the road for a while. When you renew the rego, you won’t need to pay backdated fees.

Find out which vehicles don’t have to be continuously licensed

What do I do if I haven’t received my rego label in the post?

You should receive your label within five days of renewing your rego online.

If you haven’t received it within five days, give us a call on 0800 108 809.

What should I do if I haven’t received email confirmation that I renewed my rego online?

If you haven’t received an email confirmation of your rego renewal, and you need one, give us a call on 0800 108 809.

If you just want to confirm that the transaction was completed, you can check the current expiry date of the vehicle licence online.

What should I do if I am having trouble renewing my rego online?

If you are having trouble renewing your rego online, double-check that the plate number and/or reminder number that you are using are correct. 

If you are having trouble with POLi (Payment Online) you can check out the FAQs on the POLi website for help. 

If you are still having trouble, give us a call on 0800 108 809.

What do I do if I forgot to change my address before I renewed my rego online?

If you have renewed your rego online, but just remembered that you haven’t updated your address, give us a call on 0800 108 809.

Why have I received an invoice when I have already bought RUC kilometres?

A RUC invoice is sent when there is a difference between the end distance on the RUC licence that's been purchased and the vehicle's odometer reading when it is inspected (WoF or CoF).

For example, if a RUC licence has been purchased up to 38,000kms, but the vehicle's odometer reading is 48,000kms when it goes in for a WoF, an invoice can be issued for the difference (10,000kms). 

To pay for the kilometres that were included in the invoice, you can pay by internet banking, call us on 0800 655 644 to pay by debit or credit card, or send us a cheque. You can't pay an invoice at an agent. You can find full payment instructions on the RUC invoice. 

How do I change the address for my driver licence?

The easiest way to change your address is online.

You’ll need your New Zealand driver licence number. You can also update the address for any vehicles that you have in your name.

What should I do if I haven’t received my new driver licence in the mail?

You should receive your driver licence in the mail within 21 days of your application being processed and approved.

If you haven't received it in this time, give us a call on 0800 822 422.

How do I convert my overseas driver licence to a New Zealand driver licence?

To convert your overseas driver licence to a New Zealand driver licence, you must apply at a specialist overseas conversion site.

You'll need to:

• fill out an application form
• present evidence of your identity
• prove your eyesight meets the required standard
• provide a medical certificate (if required)
• present your overseas driver licence (and a translation if it is not in English)
• let the agent take your photo and signature
• pay the application fee
• provide high-quality, colour photocopies of all the original documents you have provided, as listed above (including any translation).

You may also need to pass theory and practical tests. If you do, you will also have to pay the test fees.

Find a specialist overseas conversion site in your area

What should I do if my driver licence has been lost or stolen?

You need to apply for a replacement licence. This will automatically cancel the old driver licence, and reduce the opportunity for others to use it fraudulently.

You’ll need to apply at a driver licensing agent, and:

• fill out an application form [PDF, 158 KB]
• present evidence of your identity
• pay the replacement licence fee of $38.20.

Find out more about replacing your driver licence

How do I check on the progress of my passenger (P) endorsement application?

You can track the progress of your P endorsement application online.

You’ll need your driver licence number.

How can I change my practical test booking?

The easiest way to change most test bookings is online. You’ll need your driver licence number. If there is less than two full working days until your test, you will also need a Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card to pay the reschedule fee.

If you can’t change the booking online, you will need to call us on 0800 822 422 or go in to a driver licensing agent.

How do I request a Certificate of particulars (CoP)?

A Certificate of particulars (CoP) is a document which confirms the details of your driver licence.

To get one, you can apply over the phone or send your application in the post. There is a fee of $11.10.

Call us on 0800 822 422 (or +64 6 953 6200 if calling from overseas) if you want to pay by MasterCard or Visa credit or debit card.

If you want to pay by cheque, bank cheque or money order, you will need to send a request to:

Business Administration Team
NZ Transport Agency
Private Bag 11777
Palmerston North 4442.

You will need to include your:

• full name
• date of birth
• licence number (if you know it)
• contact phone number
• postal address, fax number or email address (depending on how you want the information sent to you).

The payment needs to be in New Zealand dollars. 

It will take 4-6 working days to process and send your request.

How do I request a Demerit suspension history (DSH)?

A Demerit suspension history (DSH) will confirm your demerit suspension history for the last seven years.

To get one, you can apply over the phone or send your application in the post. There is a fee of $11.10.

Call us on 0800 822 422 ( or +64 6 953 6200 if calling from overseas) if you want to pay by MasterCard or Visa credit or debit card.

If you want to pay by cheque, bank cheque or money order, you will need to send a request to:

Business Administration Team
NZ Transport Agency
Private Bag 11777
Palmerston North 4442.

You will need to include your:

• licence number
• full name
• contact phone number
• postal address, fax number or email address (depending on how you want the information sent to you).

The payment needs to be in New Zealand dollars. 

It will take 4-6 working days to process and send your request.

How do I get a replacement driver licence when I am overseas?

You'll need to compete an application form and send it to our Palmerston North office.

The fee for replacing your driver licence from overseas is NZ$38.20. You can either include a cheque or money order with your application, or pay by credit card by calling +64 6 953 6200.

You'll also need to include a certified copy of evidence of your identity.

Download the application form

Information about roadworks in the Wellington-Kāpiti region

Well maintained roads are an important part of keeping people safe.  While we aim to do this work with as little disruption as possible, we know that roadworks can be inconvenient.  Thanks for your patience and understanding while we do this important work.

Please drive carefully through work sites and stick to the temporary speed limits.  If you’re driving around the Wellington region, roadworks on the state highway network may affect your travel plans.

Below is a quick outline of the major works planned for the coming week from 28 August 2016 .  We’ll keep you posted on future works and have regular updates on local radio stations.

State Highway 1

State Highway 2

State Highway 58

NOTE: If bad weather should strike, work will be postponed to the next suitable night.

OnRamp business continuity plan page

This Transport Agency internal page contains a wealth of information on business continuity plans .

MapHub

This map shows our resilience priority areas across New Zealand.

Incident management

This Transport Agency internal page contains information on incident management– a range of activities undertaken in response to disruptive incidents to ensure the ongoing safety and welfare of our people, the safeguarding of our property, systems and equipment, and the continuation or resumption of the delivery of our critical business functions.

Government Policy Statement on Land Transport

The Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS) sets out the government’s priorities for expenditure from the National Land Transport Fund over the next 10 years. This links to a Ministry of Transport web page.

Annual planning

Applying for a resilience project

• Minor resilience application form (<$300k) - application form for minor projects with expected costs below $300,000 including all design, investigation and construction costs. 
• Enhanced resilience application form (>$300k) - application form for more significant projects with expected costs above $300,000. 

In addition to these specific forms, you can find more information  State Highway Annual Plan resources page . 

Tools and research

This report summarises the key insights from our review of business cases for the top 9 priority corridors. These insights are intended to provide useful guidance for those preparing future business cases.Economic impact assessment tool

The Measuring the Economic Resilience of Infrastructure Tool (MERIT) has been developed to provide an assessment of the wider economic impacts of a network outage. It is a dynamic, multi-regional and multi-sectoral economic model that contains all of the core features of a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. CGE models tend to be the favoured approach and are ‘state-of-art’ in the modelling of regional- and national-level economic impacts. Among the advantages of this type of model is: (1) the whole-of-economy coverage; (2) the capture of indirect and induced economic consequences; (3) the ‘general equilibrium’ impacts that result from price changes in an economy; and (4) the ability to describe the distribution through time of impacts across different economic sectors and regions. The tool will be available here around July 2016. 

We have undertaken pilot studies applying the tool to real recent major network outages, and  Measuring the Economic Resilience of Infrastructure Tool is the report of the trial on the SH4 floods. We have also developed a MERIT Primer that provides a digestible summary of the findings.

As part of our work to understand and enhance the resilience of the state highway network, we asked Opus International to assess the resilience of the state highway network at a broad national level, and develop a methodology for assessing low frequency, high impact natural hazards at a regional level.

The national level resilience assessment has been initially carried out for 9 priority programme business case corridors, located throughout the country. The National state highway resilience - 9 priority PBC corridors report outlines the findings of this work. Inside the report you will find:

• Maps showing the resilience states for the state highways, presented as availability, outage and disruption states, and highlighting key areas of vulnerability of the state highways
• Map showing prioritisation of the state highway network
• A brief summary outlining the results of the assessment.

You may also be interested in these pages

Quakecore - New Zealand earthquake resilience researchers network

The QuakeCoRE web site is a national network of leading New Zealand Earthquake Resilience Researchers.

The REG One Network Road Classification page

The one-stop information shop for the One Network Road Classification . Contains ONRC implementation guidance, including ‘resilience’ requirements.

Lifelines

The site for lifeline utilities (entities that provide essential infrastructure services to the community such as water, wastewater, transport, energy and telecommunications). The page contains details of regional Lifelines groups.

Government Data Portal

The one-stop repository for official data , run by the Department of Internal Affairs.

The Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 resilient cities

100 resilient cities - dedicated to helping cities around the world become more resilient to the physical, social and economic challenges that are a growing part of the 21st century. Features Wellington.

For further information contact  resilience-infrastructureplanning@nzta.govt.nz .

All lanes citybound between Great North Road and Western Springs are closed to traffic along with the Great North Road on ramp.

Emergency services are at the scene and traffic is being taken off the motorway between these points.

One lane has now been opened just past the scene to allow vehicles that are already in the closure area to move clear.

The Transport Agency says the closure may be in place for some time and is advising motorists to delay their travel, avoid the area or expect long delays.

However two lanes remain closed to traffic along with the Great North Road on ramp.

The Transport Agency says the closure may be in place for some time and is advising motorists to delay their travel, avoid the area or expect long delays.

Traffic remains heavy between Te Atatu and the city and motorists are advised to expect delays, however the earlier congestion is now clearing.

The Transport Agency thanks motorists for their patience.

The review was commissioned by the Transport Agency in April in response to alleged fraud at a driver licensing site in Auckland. The issue of fraud is currently under investigation by New Zealand Police.

The Transport Agency’s Access and Use Group Manager, Celia Patrick, says the independent review has identified a range of gaps in controls within the driver licensing system which the Transport Agency is taking urgent action to address

“We view the findings of this review very seriously and we are actively working on addressing the recommendations in the report.

“When the Transport Agency commissioned this review we had already started a programme of work to strengthen controls in the driver licensing system. The KPMG review supports that work and makes recommendations for further improvements.

“Immediate action has been taken to remove the individuals at the centre of the alleged fraud being investigated by Police from the system to minimise the likelihood of further suspect licences being issued. Extra controls have been introduced to the system, with more to come, in areas such as overseas licence conversions.

“The Transport Agency continues to support the Police investigation, which is complex and ongoing, and we have begun taking action against licence holders where there is evidence that licences have been wrongfully obtained.

“The integrity of the driver licensing system is vital, and the Transport Agency’s response to this review is comprehensive. We are committed to making the changes necessary to ensure that everyone who holds a New Zealand driver licences has earned it by demonstrating the ability to drive safely.”

Changes being implemented by the Transport Agency include:

• enhanced monitoring of all driver licensing transactions at a national level to identify trends and potential anomalies
• increased oversight of testing officers, including increased onsite supervision, monitoring and auditing
• improved management of contracts eg improved monitoring of the performance of service providers
• improved audit and risk assessment of course providers 
• enhanced quality control requirements on service providers
• increased scrutiny of identity and licensing documents 
• additional training for staff
• changes to overseas conversion processes, including:
• • limiting the number of sites that can process overseas driver licence conversions
  • the Transport Agency will release each individual overseas driver licence application following scrutiny of documents.  

Read the KPMG report here .

Although the Transport Agency Board continues to make significant decisions related to the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), most funding and procurement decisions have been delegated to Transport Agency staff. A summary of planning, funding and procurement delegations can be viewed in the Planning and Investment Knowledge Base .

In broad terms, the board has delegated decision making subject to certain monetary limits for new works, cost/scope adjustments, price level decreases, cash flow adjustments and emergency works.

The board has also approved delegation of funding approvals to approved organisations that meet certain criteria.

Delegated NLTP decisions

2016-17 decisions

• August 2016 NLTP decisionsJuly 2016 NLTP decisions
• June 2016 NLTP decisions
• May 2016 NLTP decisions
• April 2016 NLTP decisions
• March 2016 NLTP decisions
• February 2016 NLTP decisions
• January 2016 NLTP decisions
• July 2016 NLTP decisions

2015-16 decisions

2014–15 decisions

• June 2015 NLTP decisions
• May 2015 NLTP decisions
• April 2015 NLTP decisions
• March 2015 NLTP decisions
• February 2015 NLTP decisions
• January 2015 NLTP decisions
• December 2014 NLTP decisions
• November 2014 NLTP decisions
• October 2014 NLTP decisions
• September 2014 NLTP decisions
• August 2014 NLTP decisions
• July 2014 NLTP decisions

2013–14 decisions

• June 2014 NLTP decisions
• May 2014 NLTP decisions
• April 2014 NLTP decisions
• March 2014 NLTP decisions
• February 2014 NLTP decisions
• January 2014 NLTP decisions
• December 2013 NLTP decisions
• November 2013 NLTP decisions
• October 2013 NLTP decisions
• September 2013 NLTP decisions
• August 2013 NLTP decisions
• July 2013 NLTP decisions

2012–13 decisions

• June 2013 NLTP decisions
• May 2013 NLTP decisions
• April 2013 NLTP decisions
• March 2013 NLTP decisions
• February 2013 NLTP decisions
• January 2013 NLTP decisions
• December 2012 NLTP decisions
• November 2012 NLTP decisions
• October 2012 NLTP decisions
• September 2012 NLTP decisions
• August 2012 NLTP decisions
• July 2012 NLTP decisions

2011–12 decisions

• June 2012 NLTP decisions
• May 2012 NLTP decisions
• April 2012 NLTP decisions
• March 2012 NLTP decisions
• February 2012 NLTP decisions
• January 2012 NLTP decisions
• December 2011 NLTP decisions
• November 2011 NLTP decisions
• October 2011 NLTP decisions
• September 2011 NLTP decisions
• August 2011 NLTP decisions

2010–11 decisions

• June 2011 NLTP decisions
• May 2011 NLTP decisions
• April 2011 NLTP decisions
• March 2011 NLTP decisions
• February 2011 NLTP decisions
• January 2011 NLTP decisions
• December 2010 NLTP decisions
• November 2010 NLTP decisions
• November 2010 Auckland Transport
• October 2010 NLTP decisions
• September 2010 NLTP decisions
• September 2010 Community Programme Activities
• August 2010 NLTP decisions
• August 2010 Total Mobility Operations

2009–10 decisions

• Reconciliation review 2009/10
• Supplementary review 2009/10
• June 2010 NLTP decisions
• May 2010 NLTP decisions
• April 2010 NLTP decisions
• March 2010 NLTP decisions
• February 2010 NLTP decisions
• Minor improvements review 2009/10
• January 2010 NLTP decisions
• December 2009 NLTP decisions
• November 2009 NLTP decisions
• October 2009 NLTP decisions
• September 2009 NLTP decisions
• August 2009 NLTP decisions

2008–09 decisions

• Reconciliation review 2008/09
• Supplementary review 2008/09
• July 2009 NLTP decisions
• July 2009 NLTP decisions – state highways only
• June 2009 NLTP decisions
• May 2009 NLTP decisions
• April 2009 NLTP decisions
• March 2009 NLTP decisions
• February 2009 NTLP decisions
• January 2009 NLTP decisions
• December 2008 NLTP decisions
• SH5 adjustments from 2007/08
• November 2008 NLTP decisions
• October 2008 NLTP decisions
• September 2008 NLTP decisions
• August 2008 NLTP decisions

More information

If you would like further details regarding a decision, please email the board secretariat: boardsecretariat@nzta.govt.nz .

For more information about this project, take a look at our recent posters

Please share your views by 9 September 2016 

SH23 Feedback

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Anyone using New Zealand’s roads contributes towards their upkeep. Most road users pay levies when they buy fuel. Others, such as drivers of light diesel vehicles and heavy vehicles like trucks, pay through road user charges (RUC).

If you have used a toll road and not paid your toll within five working days, you may receive a Toll Payment Notice. The notice will contain details of the trip and the amount to pay. 

This notice is sent to the person registered to the vehicle that used the toll road. There is an administration fee of $4.90 per notice issued.

Avoid the extra charge by paying your toll before or immediately after using a toll road. 

Pay your toll payment notice online

Infringement notice

If a toll payment notice is not paid within 28 days, any unpaid tolls and administration costs will be referred to a debt collection agency. An infringement notice with an additional fee of $40 for each unpaid toll may also be issued . 

Infringement notices that are not paid will be referred to the Ministry of Justice for collection as an unpaid fine. 

Pay your infringement notice online

What to do if you weren’t driving

If you’ve received a toll payment notice as the registered person of the vehicle, but were not the person driving, you can complete the Statutory declaration form and send it in to:

NZ Transport Agency Toll Roads
Private Bag 11777
Palmerston North 4442

The call centre will be opened from 8am to 6pm on Waitangi Day, but will be closed this Saturday and Sunday

The NZTA decided last August to close the call centre at weekends and on statutory holidays when it introduced a series of measures to reduce its administration costs for operating the toll road, located on State Highway 1 north of Auckland.  

The way statutory holidays fell at Christmas and New Year meant the call centre was closed on two occasions for four-day periods.

“Those closures did trigger many complaints from people unhappy that they were unable to pay their tolls by telephone.  We have listened to their concerns, and our response is to give people the additional payment choice by having the call centre open next Monday,” says the NZTA’s Regional Director for Auckland and Northland, Stephen Town.   

“We do have to balance our obligations to keep costs down with a commitment to provide choices for our toll road customers, especially at those times of the year when a lot of people are travelling.   Waitangi Weekend is the last long holiday break until Easter, and we hope our decision to open the call centre on Monday will help make the weekend an enjoyable one.”

People who do want to pay by freephone 0800 40 20 20 will still incur an administration charge of $3.70 for each transaction.  For example, using the call centre to pay for a $2 toll will cost $5.70 - the $2 toll plus the $3.70 administration charge.  If someone buys 10 trips by phone it will cost $23.70 - $20 for the 10 trips plus the $3.70 administration charge.

The administration charges were introduced by the NZTA to reflect the cost of processing the toll road’s different payment options.  In addition to the $3.70 call centre fee, an administration charge of 40c applies for each transaction made at the toll road kiosks.  No administration charge applies for tolls bought on-line at www.tollroad.govt.nz , or for toll road accounts.

Mr Town urged drivers to take full advantage of the toll road’s electronic free-flow technology by paying on-line or setting up a pre-paid account, avoiding the need to stop or to pay an administration charge.

People have up to five working days to pay after using the toll road. 

Mr Town says a decision to open the call centre opened at Easter will be made after it has reviewed the centre’s operation on Waitangi Day.

For more information contact:

Ewart Barnsley,
Auckland Media Manager,
NZ Transport Agency.
T  +6499288720
M + 64272137616
E  ewart.barnsley@nzta.govt.nz

Contractors have been out monitoring and surveying the highway network.

No damage or rock-falls have been reported.

But the aftershocks are bringing an increased risk of rock-fall and slips at the following parts of the state highway network:

• SH2 Waioeka Gorge
• SH2 Waimana Gorge
• SH35 Maraenui
• SH35 Motu Bluffs.
• SH35 Hawai to Te Kaha

The Transport Agency advises motorists to plan their journey, check weather and road conditions and choose the safest route possible if you have the option.

Sillary Street looking towards Grey Street, with the underpass entrance to Cobham Drive at right.

A four metre wide pedestrian and cycling underpass that will connect the Hamilton Gardens with Hamilton East is to be built under SH1-Cobham Drive.

The NZ Transport Agency has announced work on the $1.1 million project will start early next year.

It will connect Hamilton East at Sillary Street, near the Grey Street-Cobham Drive corner, with the Hamilton Gardens and shared walkways on the southern side of Cobham Drive.

The announcement of the underpass follows work starting on the Western Rail Trail last week, which will connect Hamilton’s south western suburbs with Hamilton Girls’ High School, the Wintec City Campus and city centre.

Acting Waikato Highways Manager Niclas Johansson says the Transport Agency is working to improve safety, and perceptions of safety, for people who bike.

“Getting a safe pedestrian crossing in place on SH1 Cobham Drive in Hamilton East has been raised with the Transport Agency by many stakeholders over many years.

“This well-lit and level underpass will provide is a safe and user-friendly option to connect the Gardens and existing paths either side of the state highway,” he says.

Four-lane Cobham Drive, which carries a daily average of 28,000 vehicles and has a posted speed limit of 80km/h, has acted as a barrier to cyclists and pedestrians wishing to get to Hamilton Gardens and into the city.

“This extra link will allow cyclists and pedestrians from Hamilton East to connect to existing paths into the city and new paths along state highway 3, as well as the Western Rail Trail which is expected to be completed at the end of this year,” Mr Johansson says.

The project is supported by Hamilton City Council, cycle groups and the Hamilton East community.

Hamilton City Council Transport Unit Manager Jason Harrison says the project will be welcomed by local residents.

“Hamilton is a great city for walking and biking, and we’ve already got around 150km of on and off road cycleways.

“This underpass is another link in connecting our city and we look forward to its opening next year,” he says.

An estimated $12 million is to be spent over the next decade to connect Hamilton with a series of cycleways.

It is anticipated that the total national cycling investment over the next three years, including indirect investment from other infrastructure activities, will be about $350m, delivering over 300km of new urban cycleways and greater connection between routes, making cycling a safer and more attractive transport choice.