Service Level Changes to our Road Network

A safe and effective road network that looks after all road users is a priority for our community. As our District grows it is important this network is improved and upgraded to meet the needs of more users.

The Council has developed a three-year programme of work that prioritised upgrades across the District. We focussed on maintaining safe roads while building infrastructure to support walking and cycling.

The help fund this the Council relies on funding from Waka Kotahi through the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) which we bid for every three years – most recently through the 2021 – 2024 NLTP.

Council requested $13.2m for 24 different Low Cost Low Risk (LCLR) projects which will help ensure the transport network can operate in a safe and effective way.

Planned projects include:

• Walking and cycling infrastructure

• Local road improvements

• Safety improvements

• Public transport services and infrastructure

In this funding round Waka Kotahi allocated $6.6m for the 2021-24 period.

The Council matches this funding with a 49 percent share which was already allocated in the LTP. This however leaves a shortfall of $3.6m. We had already allocated the full expected amount in the LTP to implement our planned programme of work and now need to consider how to progress while balancing the impact meeting this shortfall will have on ratepayers.

The Council however is still committed to furthering our 10 year programme of road improvements which includes Skewbridge Road upgrade and realignment, West Rangiora route safety upgrades, addressing congestion on Southbrook Road as well as continuing to advocate for the Woodend Bypass and other safety improvements.