Whangarei District Council’s Acting Mayor Phil Halse has hit out at what he calls a ‘cheap political shot’ by Labour Leader Phil Goff to wind back the proposed Puhoi to Wellsford highway improvements.
Updated:
23/05/2011 5:00 p.m.
“The highway north is a regional state highway – this is not about a ‘holiday highway for Aucklanders’. It’s about a lifeline for 200,000 people north of the tunnels. Following nine years of Labour-led procrastination on infrastructure – take roading in Auckland for example - this government has set out on a path to lead economic development for areas that most need it and the Puhoi to Wellsford upgrade is vital for the heavy haulage of export commodities. It needs continued improvement, not more procrastination.
“Traffic modelling shows that this is one of the highest use roads in the country – and growing. Where else in the country do you find four sets of 80 kilometre an hour speed limits on such a short stretch of major highway, because the road is not safe enough to travel any faster?”
Cr. Halse also pointed to the depressing economics of redeveloping rail transport.
“While this would be a preference for many people and our Council recently voted in favour of supporting all efforts to keep the Northland line going, there is an economic reality we face – it would cost much, much more to redevelop the main railway line so it can take cost efficient rolling stock and handle today’s loads than to upgrade the road. That is the simple reality. These roading improvements are just not optional – they are essential.”