The Central Corridor project is closer to becoming a reality with the National Party pledging to throw $100m behind the project if it forms the next Government.

John Key confirmed the National Party's plan to commit the funds to building the Central Corridor project and this week, while visiting Tauranga.
The announcement, combined with Winston Peters' pledge to use the project as a bargaining chip, could speed up the construction process of the Central Corridor project.
Polls indicate the National Party may have the largest share of seats in Parliament after tomorrow's election and New Zealand First could hold the balance of power.
Under National's plan, the Central Corridor will be a four-lane state highway that runs from 15th Ave, along Turret Rd to the Hairini Roundabout in Welcome Bay.
John says Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty make up one of New Zealand's fastest growing regions.
'The Tauranga Central Corridor is currently not planned or funded. National is promising to meet the project's full cost of $100 million to resolve this emerging Achilles heel of Tauranga's roading network,” says John.
Winston says he has been pushing for the project since 2005 and plans to put it on the negotiating table if New Zealand First is the king-maker after the election. But he says his proposal for the Central Corridor is more expansive and the National Party's recent announcement is just an attempt to buy votes.
'It's last minute panic stuff from Mr Key. He will make the promise but they will never deliver it. This is just a delayed announcement to try and sure up support for them,” says Winston.
Tauranga city councillor Bill Grainger says he is jumping for joy over the news a National government will spend $100 million upgrading the city's central corridor.
Bill has been campaigning for a Welcome Bay underpass for several years. He helped organise a resident's petition and submissions on the subject.
'It is fantastic news, I'm jumping for joy in a big way,' says Bill.
He thinks a four lane corridor through the middle of the city will help reduce traffic congestion along Cameron Rd, especially if the work includes an off-ramp to route K at 15th Ave.
It has been so long since any government spent money in Tauranga says Bill.
'We've been applying and applying.”
John Cronin, Environment Bay of Plenty chairman, is also welcoming National's announcement.
'We are delighted that a major party is investing such a substantial sum of money in our region. However, we are also keen for the Central Corridor to be approached holistically. This will mean viewing it not just as a roading project but also as a project than includes priority for buses as well as better walking and cycling route,” says John Cronin.