State highways, roads to benefit from latest funding

It's believed Auckland's fared well in the latest transport funding announcement.

The New Zealand Transport Agency will spend $12.28 billion in the sector over the next three years.

Of that, $3.4 billion will be allocated to key projects in Auckland and Northland.

NZTA's regional director for Auckland, Stephen Town, says $1.6 billion will go towards state highways, and just under a billion to local roads.

"Auckland I think's going to be pretty pleased with the level of investment that is coming and none of it should be a big surprise."

Mr Town says the key projects are the Western Ring Route, Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative and the Puhoi to Wellsford connection.

One project that's been left off the NZTA's funding list for Auckland is the Inner City Rail Link.

He says Auckland Transport still has to complete its route protection and property acquisitions before funding is allocated to it.

"The funding of the construction of the City Rail Link would be for the council and Auckland Transport and potentially the Government as a discussion for the next national land transport program."

Mr Town says $890 million will be invested into public transport for the region.

AA general manager of motoring affairs, Mike Noon, says the funding's earmarked to cover all the bases.

"There's also increased focus on pubic transport, on state highways and on local roads. But it is a tight budget because it's trying to do a great deal, so there is no spare money."

Mr Noon says he'd also support more speed cameras on the roads to act as a deterrent to speeding and dangerous driving.

Photo: NZ Herald