I can assure your readers that the Tauranga Eastern Link is not at risk of being ‘canned', as claimed in a recent letter. In fact construction is now well and truly underway on the main construction contract with three of the seven support projects already completed and another one nearing completion. We have every expectation that the new road will be open as planned in 2016 and come in under the $455million budget.
The Tauranga Eastern Link is one of seven roads of national significance. Those are state highway projects that once constructed, will support New Zealand's economic prosperity. As well as providing employment for many local people, the Tauranga Eastern Link will also significantly reduce travel time and improve safety along of one of New Zealand's most dangerous sections of highway.
Unlike the Route K toll road, the debt that will be serviced by tolls for this project will be the government's debt and not a burden for local ratepayers.
Andrew Scott
Principal Project Manager,
Tauranga Eastern Link.