9. Dr JACKIE BLUE (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Transport
What progress has been made on the Newmarket viaduct replacement project?
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) Link to this
I am pleased to announce that the southern half of the Newmarket viaduct replacement project will be completed more than 6 months ahead of schedule, on 6 September. The initial opening of three lanes is an important milestone in the $215 million project. Contractors are now on track to complete a fourth southbound lane by early 2011. The delivery of this new stretch of motorway 6 months early matches the performance of the team working on the Manukau Harbour crossing, which is also due to be completed 6 months early.
What contribution has Government funding made to the early completion of roading projects like the Newmarket viaduct?
I am pleased that this Government’s $10.7 billion commitment to State highway building over 10 years has provided a secure pipeline that has given contractors the confidence to continue investing in people and machinery, and complete projects more quickly. The Contractors Federation stated last week: “The subsequent steady stream of projects and funding announcements have turned that enthusiasm into a higher level of confidence in an industry that would otherwise be focusing on a reduction of capacity.” The Government and industry are now able to look confidently ahead and deliver transport infrastructure projects that will assist New Zealand’s economic recovery.