A record $32.9 billion transport network investment through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will reintroduce the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme.

The new NLTP will deliver on the coalition Government’s agreements and establish a pipeline of 17 RoNS projects across the country.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown says the programme will create a more reliable and efficient transport network, boosting economic growth and productivity.

“New Zealanders rejected the previous government’s transport policies which resulted in non-delivery, phantom projects, slower speed limits, and an infestation of speed bumps,” says Brown.

The NLTP prioritises 17 RoNS to create a pipeline of roading infrastructure across the country. Takitimu Northern Link Stage 1 (SH2 Tauranga) is already underway with Ōtaki to North of Levin to begin construction next year.

NZTA is now adding seven further projects to begin procurement, enabling works and construction in the next three years. These RoNS are paired with 11 Roads of Regional Significance (RoRs).

Other NLTP priorities include a focus on maintenance and pothole prevention and support for reliable public transport. It will also ensure councils are focused on transport priorities such as increased pothole prevention, with reduced funds for cycleways, and no funds for speed bumps.

“I’m pleased to see that this NLTP adopted by the NZ Transport Agency board, which boosts funding by 35% compared to the last three years, strongly reflects our Government’s priorities of economic growth and productivity, increased maintenance and resilience, safety, and value for money,” Brown says. 

“Kiwis will see fewer potholes on our roads as we invest significantly in resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance to prevent pesky potholes from forming in the first place.  

There will also be nine priority bridge replacements across the State Highway network as well as progressing work on a second Ashburton Bridge as a Road of Regional Significance and replacement of the important Pages Rd Bridge in Christchurch as a local road project.

National Road Carriers Association (NRC) CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers says the association is pleased to see funding confirmed to deliver the RoNS and RoRS around the country as pledged.

“The RONS and RORS are a welcome return to structured planned investment of the transport network and is in line with what NRC called for pre-election,” Tighe-Umbers says.

 “A long-term plan for addressing the infrastructure deficit and providing certainty will drive down cost, enabling more to be done to return the network to a state that enables productivity and supports economic growth.

 “With this increased certainty we hope to see the doors opening in terms of investment opportunities, both from local and international investors, and the contractors we need to attract to deliver the programme of work.”

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand says the NLTP will boost economic productivity and ensure the transport system is moving people and freight safely and efficiently.

“Transporting New Zealand has been emphasising the need to focus on transport fundamentals for a long time, and this NLTP gets the balance right,” says Interim CEO Dom Kalasih.

“The NLTP will support regional connections through Roads of National and Regional Significance projects, ensure a big focus on network maintenance and resilience, and provide targeted investments in public transport, safety and network efficiency,” Kalasih says.

Kalasih says it was also encouraging to see the NLTP emphasise the vital role of freight in delivering economic growth and prosperity. 

“93 percent of all freight in New Zealand travels by road, so improving our roading network is essential if we want to get out of the current economic slump and drive real growth.

“Our members are going to be really encouraged to see NLTP referencing the need for freight-friendly roads and bridges, and stronger and more weather-resilient road surfaces. That’s how we can get more efficient higher productivity motor vehicles and heavy battery-electric trucks delivering the freight task, reducing emissions and improving safety outcomes.”