An intersection that has been a significant choke point for industry and commuters alike is in line for investment with the release today of the Government’s Policy Statement (GPS) on Transport.
The intersection of Richmond’s Queen Street and State Highway 6 is included as part of the strategic investment programme.
“Due to the growth of the area, this intersection has become increasingly congested and costly to the region, economically and socially”, said Tasman Mayor Tim King.
“With the agreement to consenting and design over the next three years we can now see a light at the end of the tunnel.”
The GPS also provides for a significant increase in maintenance funding for local and national roads in the area. “For a number of years, we have had to prioritise maintenance on many of our roads which has led to a rising level of dissatisfaction over the quality of our important transport corridors.
“Investment of this magnitude in maintenance is an investment in resilience, sustainability and safety in this network, a network that is vitally important to a predominantly rural district such as Tasman and the economic wellbeing of the region.
“As our predominantly primary sector economy continues to grow and develop the sustainability of our transport network is vital. The proposed investment recognises the national importance of the Richmond State Highway 6 intersection and the need for resilient regional network.
“While the release of the GPS provides a way forward, it still requires the Council, all sectors that could benefit and residents to submit in its favour. Without strong support for the policy, priority may be given to other areas to our loss.
“We cannot sit back and accept this proposal is a done deal, we as a District and region need to signal our support.”
Consultation on the draft GPS closes at 5pm on Friday 15 September 2023.
To submit on the GPS: Draft Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024 Consultation - Te Manatū Waka Ministry of Transport - Citizen Space
Tasman District Council
Pigeon Post News
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