State Highway 3/Napier Rd improvements to go ahead

A plan to improve safety on State Highway 3/Napier Rd is moving ahead, with funding secured for detailed design and consenting work.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is developing a package of safety improvements along a 3.4km section of Napier Rd, between Keith St and Stoney Creek Rd, and including Roberts Line intersection.

Regional relationships director Emma Speight says the improved saftey of the road will go ahead following investigation and consultation on options.

"I'm pleased that we can now move into the detailed design and consenting phase of this project."

"This is a positive step towards making the road safer and more accessible for the everyone.

"We've had lots of feedback from locals who say the area feels unsafe, and we've taken their feedback into consideration when making decisions about ways that we can improve safety.

"We heard that it is difficult for cyclists and pedestrians from Kelvin Grove to cross the road and access the Manawatū River pathway on the other side, so to make access easier and safer for all road users, we will be installing traffic signals at the intersection of Roberts Line and SH3/Napier Rd.

"There is also a shared path planned between Sutton Place and Roberts Line.

"This will be an off-road facility connecting the Manawatū River pathway with the Kelvin Grove residential area."

Palmerston North City Council chief executive, Heather Shotter says the council welcomes the funding as it addresses a part of the transport network that the community has been concerned about for many years.

"We will work with Waka Kotahi to ensure the design reflects the urbanisation of this part of the city, and the plan to remove the state highway network from travelling through the city via the proposed regional freight ring road.

"We look forward to the project progressing to actual construction as that is what will make the difference to the community."

Speight says it is important to note there is a clear distinction between design funding and construction funding.

"The design process is the next step towards the eventual construction of the safety improvements.

"Once this work is complete and consents are obtained, we can then look to secure funding for construction."

Speed reductions will also be considered as part of this project.