Key New Zealand highway upgrade, budget set

Work on New Zealand’s State Highway 3 will see upgrades to improve capacity and s well as safety. The country’s Ministry of Transport has unveiled a government plan to spend US$94.46 million (NZ$135 million) on the project. The upgrades for State Highway 3 form part of New Zealand’s Accelerated Regional Roading Programme. Meanwhile further planning work has been required to the Mount Messenger bypass before a preferred option for the project can be confirmed. The 1009 New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is currently developing an option for the bypass. This will be announced in August 2017.

An Alliance team to handle the Mount Messenger project has been established. This group includes the NZTA, as well as 2670 Tonkin & Taylor, Isthmus, Holmes Consulting, 1523 Opus International and 2679 Downer. The NZTA is also commencing the consent and design process for the two-bridge bypass at Awakino Tunnel, which was chosen as the preferred option. In addition, several upgrades will be made on the 58km stretch of highway that will include slope stability, road realignment and road widening.