A major step towards the Rangiora Eastern Link (REL) Road being built was announced today, with NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) confirming co-funding for property acquisition and detailed design.
This is the next step in the REL becoming a reality. Detailed design and property acquisition is expected to be $8.8m total, with NZTA contributing $4.5m (or 51%). The balance is funded through rates and development contributions
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon says today’s announcement is a landmark moment for the District, and enabler for Waimakariri’s future growth.
“We are thrilled to have NZTA confirm funding for this part of the project,” Mayor Gordon says.
“It is also significant the NZTA have endorsed the business case overall, which means when we are ready to put shovels in the ground in about 18 months, they’ve signalled their in-principle support.”
“The REL is critical infrastructure for our district. This investment takes this project one step closer to build. It recognises the scale of growth we are experiencing and the importance of building transport connections that reduce congestion, result in reliable travel times, and supports our community’s growth into the future.”
First identified more than two decades ago, the new road is designed to ease congestion around Southbrook as well as improve transport connections to the new developments on the eastern side of the town.
Local roads in New Zealand are funded through a partnership between central and local government, and now co‑funding is for the next stage is confirmed, Council can progress with detailed design.
Southbrook Road currently carries around 23,000 vehicle movements a day, with traffic volumes continuing to grow alongside residential and business development in the area.
The new link road will connect Southbrook with the Bellgrove subdivision in east Rangiora. It will pass west of the Council’s wastewater treatment ponds, continue through Council-owned land and the Spark family dairy farm, before linking into Spark Lane, McPhail Road, Bellgrove Boulevard and eventually Coldstream Road.
The project is the largest part of the Council’s strategic roading programme which has been endorsed as a national priority by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, recognising its strategic significance for the wider region.
Mayor Gordon says the road will play a key role in supporting future growth while improving travel times, safety and efficiency across the roading network.
“Anyone who regularly travels through Rangiora knows the pressure our transport network is under. This project is about planning for the future, reducing pressure on our transport network, and making sure we continue to invest in infrastructure that enables our district to thrive.”
Notes:
Local roads in New Zealand are funded through a partnership between central and local government.
Ratepayers contribute the “local share” - through rates, development contributions, and Council borrowing - while NZTA provides the “government share” via the NLTP.
Below is the total proposed project cost.
Total project cost | Budget | Debt portion | NZTA co-funding | Development Contributions | Average rate per property - year | Average rate per property - weekly |
Revised cost | $65.6m | $17m | $26m | $22.6m | $34.76 | $0.67 |
Council’s Long Term Plan currently shows the project being delivered in 2028 and 2029.
For more information on the Rangiora Eastern Link click here