Speeches

Waikato Expressway funding welcomed by Hamilton Labour MPs

01.02.2004

Transfund New Zealand has increased its funding allocation to $74.5 million to allow Transit New Zealand to complete the four-laning of State Highway 1 from Mercer to Longswamp.

Hamilton West MP and Chair of Labour Transport Caucus Committee Martin Gallagher, and Labour MP Dianne Yates strongly welcome today’s decision.

“The recommencement of this project is long overdue, given that this road has one of the most appalling rates of fatality.” said Martin and Dianne

Martin Gallagher has campaigned for the completion of the Waikato Expressway, as a former City Deputy Mayor and as a Member of Parliament.

Martin Gallagher and Dianne Yates criticised the decision to proceed with the Hampden Downs Landfill tip, prior to the expressway being completed, which would have meant more trucks would be on this dangerous strip of road.

“Today’s decision will bring this critically important project back on track” said Martin and Dianne.

Martin Gallagher and Dianne Yates have lobbied intensively for the recommendation of this project. They strongly praised the leadership shown by the regions Mayors and the Regional Council Land Transport Committee, led by David Peart. They also praised Transport Minister Mark Gosche for his strong support of this project.

Martin Gallagher and Dianne Yates will continue to work with Transit NZ to ensure the completion of the upgrading of the Longswamp to Rangiriri section, as well as the remainder of the route through to Cambridge.

“Today’s decision has renewed the momentum to ensure rapid progress on the Waikato Expressway, but we still have a lot of work left to ensure its total completion, from Mercer to Cambridge, within the next decade.” said Martin and Dianne

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