Key proposal: Maintaining our roading network (Tiakina ngā huarahi)
Consultation on the 2021/2031 Draft Long Term Plan ended at 5pm, Friday 9 April 2021.
On Monday 31 May 2021, the Long Term Plan and Annual Plan Committee will deliberate on all feedback received and recommend changes to the final plan. The public are welcome to attend this meeting.
On Tuesday 29 June 2021, Council will formally adopt the Long Term Plan for 2021/2031. The public are welcome to attend this meeting.
Overview
The situation
The District’s high population growth has led to an increase in traffic. Traffic volumes have increased by 39% over the last six years – an average of 7% per year. To put that into perspective, from 2008 to 2015 traffic volumes increased by only 10% for the entire period.
The proposal
To keep the network functioning to agreed standards, we are proposing to increase the annual budget for renewals, reseals and seal widening.
Project details
The increase in traffic volumes places greater wear and tear on the roading network. It increases the risk of crashes causing injury and death. So, more maintenance is needed and renewals need to happen sooner. Our roading network is also starting to age – 50% of the network is more than 45 years old. This also means more maintenance and more renewals are required.
We have modelled the funding requirements to achieve an optimal balance to provide the least total costs over the life of the roads. Without additional funding, the network will deteriorate. This will increase safety risks and potentially lead to higher replacement costs in the future.
What do you think?
Have a read through the three options and have your say say below.