NZ Transport Agency director regional relationships Ross I'Anson, Mayor Steve Chadwick and kuia Veronica Butterworth and Minnie Vercoe at this morning's sod turning. Photo / Supplied
NZ Transport Agency director regional relationships Ross I'Anson, Mayor Steve Chadwick and kuia Veronica Butterworth and Minnie Vercoe at this morning's sod turning. Photo / Supplied
Community and iwi leaders from across Rotorua gathered this morning to mark the start of construction for the Eastern Corridor project.
The first sod was officially turned on the $24 million transport project along State Highway 30 and Te Ngae Rd in an early morning ceremony today.
Representatives from theNew Zealand Transport Agency, the Rotorua Lakes Council, iwi and other project partners gathered at the Whakarewarewa Rugby Club in Puarenga Park off Te Ngae Rd.
The first phase of the project will cost $17m and included adding additional lanes between Allan Mills and Iles Rd, 3.5km of new shared paths and undergrounding power lines and water mains.
Mayor Steve Chadwick at the opening with Ngāti Whakaue's Kingi Biddle. Photo / Steve Chadwick Mayor of Rotorua Facebook page
Transport Agency acting director regional relationships Ross I'Anson said the project would help make people's daily journeys through Rotorua safer and more enjoyable.
An upgrade of the Tarawera roundabout to a signalised intersection, operated by traffic lights would also be put in place throughout the project.
Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick posted about the event on her Facebook page, showcasing photos of herself with a spade in hand at the turning.
The $17 million first stage would start on State Highway 30 and Te Ngae Rd. Photo / File
She said the first stage would increase opportunities for cycling and other modes of transport from Sala to Iles Rd.
The work would be completed late next year, she said.
As far back as 2015, the mayor had been vocal about how vital improving the eastern corridor was.
Previously, Chadwick said the improvement of the eastern roading corridor was "crucial" for the city and it was great it was getting under way.
Mayor Steve Chadwick has been vocal about how vital improving the eastern corridor was for years. Photo / File
"This will help to alleviate current pressures and will help to support growth in a part of our city where development of new housing areas is under way."
Rotorua residents and business people have welcomed the long-awaited improvements but National MP for Rotorua Todd McClay said last month it was too "too little, too late".
"The last National Government announced and funded this upgrade four years ago and the Labour Government has been dragging its feet, McClay said.
"I will continue to fight to make sure Te Ngae Rd gets built."
Rotorua's Labour MP Tamati Coffey said despite McClay's comments about National's commitment to the improvements, it was only an election promise.
"National had nine years to sort this problem out and didn't, and we have only been in office for two years which is a comparatively short period of time," he said.
During February and March, contractors will be focussed on constructing the new accessway for the rugby club at Puarenga Park.
Work will also be taking place between Sala St and Hamiora Pl to underground powerlines and install new water mains.
Traffic management will be set up throughout the work site between 7am and 6pm on weekdays to ensure contractors were able to work safely and efficiently.
The majority of this work is expected to take place in the road shoulder and will have minimal impact on traffic.
