Waikato Expressway makes progress

Transport Minister Steven Joyce. Photo / Alan Gibson

The Government is a step closer to meeting its election promise to complete the Waikato Expressway within 10 years, Transport Minister Steven Joyce says.

Mr Joyce announced today a $6.5 million contract had been awarded for the next stage of development which includes preliminary design, more detailed engineering work and securing resource consent.

It will take three years to complete and is a key step before construction begins.

"Once complete, the Hamilton section of the expressway will reduce traffic congestion and improve safety on Hamilton local road network by removing through traffic," Mr Joyce said.

Completing it in 10 years was "a big challenge" but the Government was committed to the goal, he said.

- NZPA