Roading plan tomorrow

Roading authorities in Otago will find out tomorrow which projects the Government is willing to fund during the next three years.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce will launch the New Zealand Transport Agency's national land transport programme in Wellington at 11am.

The programme contains plans for billions of dollars of spending based on information provided by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority and 16 regional transport committees.

The biggest proposal put up by the Otago committee is a $33 million improvement of the Caversham bypass in Dunedin.

Another $16.3 million is included for the realignment of State Highway 88 past the new Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The realignment is described in the Otago committee's final document as "integral to the development" of the stadium.

Otago committee chairman Cr Stephen Woodhead said yesterday he hoped there was some good news in tomorrow's announcement.

"There have been some positive vibes at the time we put our programme together and we are looking forward to hearing from the minister on Thursday."

Mr Woodhead said the Government was focused on projects providing economic advantages and it was "very difficult" for Otago projects to meet the transport agency's criteria.

"Clearly, they are dealing with congestion issues and safety issues in higher population centres such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

"So, we will just have to wait and see," he said.

- mark.price@odt.co.nz

 

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