Road Renewal Funds Persist via National Transport Fund

Transport Minister Chris Bishop says a $740 million state highway renewal programme for the upcoming summer construction season, funded through the National Land Transport Fund, will help deliver smoother, safer and more reliable journeys for New Zealanders.

The investment forms part of the record $2.15 billion allocated to state highway maintenance and renewals through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme, supporting the Government's focus on maintaining existing infrastructure and getting better value from public assets.

"Looking after roads before they deteriorate delivers better value for taxpayers than waiting until they need major reconstruction. By investing in planned renewals through the National Land Transport Fund, we can extend the life of existing assets, reduce potholes, improve safety and provide a more reliable transport network for motorists and freight operators," Mr Bishop says.

"The National Infrastructure Plan is clear that maintenance and renewals should be a first priority. Most of the infrastructure New Zealand will rely on over coming decades already exists, so we need to ensure we're looking after it properly and are investing at the right time."

The upcoming season's programme includes more than 1,690 lane kilometres of roads receiving a fresh coat of chipseal, along with 221 lane kilometres of asphalt renewals and 240 lane kilometres of pavement rehabilitation, funded through the National Land Transport Fund. High-friction, skid-resistant surfacing treatments will also be applied at priority sites to improve safety for road users.

"We need to be better at looking after what we've got. For too long, maintenance has often been seen as less important than new infrastructure, but maintaining existing assets is fundamental to having a reliable transport network," says Mr Bishop.

Mr Bishop acknowledged the roadworkers, contractors and communities supporting the delivery of the programme.

"Roadworkers undertake essential work in all parts of New Zealand and often in challenging conditions. Their efforts help keep people moving safely, support economic activity and ensure communities remain connected."

"While roadworks can cause short-term disruption, the result is smoother, safer and more reliable roads for New Zealanders."

Notes to Editor:

• A lane kilometre is one kilometre of a single traffic lane. Measuring renewals in lane kilometres reflects the amount of road surface being maintained and allows consistent comparison across different road types and network sizes.
• The summer maintenance season started on September 1^st and ends in April next year.