The draft Transport Agency Investment Proposal (TAIP) sets out the investment approach and proposed programme of activities across all modes of transport for the next 10 years. Ms McLean said the draft TAIP for the State Highway 2 Waihi to Tauranga programme has been identified by the Transport Agency as requiring re-evaluation to better align with the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS). She said, "once it has been re-evaluated it will be reconsidered".
The SH2 Waihi to Tauranga programme considers improvements to the urban area in Katikati, Omokoroa to Te Puna and the Tauranga Northern Link.
Ms McLean said "we acknowledge the frustration this may result in for communities and people affected by this project."
MP for Coromandel Scott Simpson who along with colleagues Simon Bridges and Todd Muller petitioned the Government asking to improve roads linking Tauranga to Katikati and Hamilton, said, "people are angry and have a right to feel let down".
"Construction of a four-lane new highway between Katikati and Tauranga would have already been under way had national been re-elected. Instead all we've been promised are a few sticking plaster improvements to a few of the very worst intersections."
He said they will continue to fight hard for a four-lane highway and also on meeting their promise of a bypass for Katikati.
"We're not about to give up."
The Bay of Plenty Regional Land Transport Plan 2018 has been approved and submitted to the Transport Agency, as input into developing the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) 2018-21, which will be released on August 31.
The government was expected to adopt the new Government Policy Statement on Land Transport by July 1.
Further information on the draft TAIP is available at: www.nzta.govt.nz/planning-and-investment/national-land-transport-programme/draft-transport-agency-investment-proposal-2018-27/
