Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP

The region's growing population has seen pressure on our roads increase dramatically. There have been many deaths on the Northern Link corridor, which has resulted in locals expressing their concern over the lack of government action on trying to solve the problem.

With the lack of investment over the past 10 years, increasing heavy traffic and a spike in population growth, the corridor has reached a stage where there is no easy fix. The New Zealand Transport Agency, together with local and central government, are looking at addressing the issues in stages, with some much needed short-term as well as long-term solutions.

Short term solutions include the implementation of median barriers, wide centrelines in designated areas of the highway and speed management along the whole stretch from Waihi to Tauranga to help manage the traffic flow.

Other improvements will include traffic lights at SH2/Beach Road and SH2/Marshall Road in Katikati, investigating options for the Omokoroa intersection improvements, developing a peak/event operation plan, enhancing public transport options and carpooling.

In the long term, the coalition government supports a multi-modal transport system that will encourage the public to use enhanced, built-for-purpose public transport systems where possible, rather than single occupancy transport.

This may not be the immediate solution the public is after. However, care and time must be taken to implement the best possible transport solutions that will deliver the maximum impact on road safety.