Transport committee sees great changes

In 2040, businesses and the Government will invest in the broad Manawatu region because of its effective transport links.

Road users will also have a "safety mentality" and cars will not necessarily be the most convenient way of getting from A to B.

Roading changes will include the creation of an inter-regional route between Mt Stewart and the Manawatu Gorge, and another bridge across the Manawatu River at Palmerston North.

That's roughly how a regional transport committee sees the next 30 years.

The committee, led by Horizons Regional Council, has signed off on a high-level strategy for land transport to 2040.

By then a larger population in Palmerston North and Manawatu is expected to be older, more urbanised and living in smaller households. The transport system is expected to come under pressure.

The strategy adopted yesterday is a bit more vague than the draft version that caused howls of protest at Te Ngaio Rd, where a Bunnythorpe bypass was indicated.

While Te Ngaio Rd remains an option, Manawatu District Council will revisit the possibility that other locations could be better if a western bypass is pursued.

Manawatu District Council assets group manager Richard Kirby has indicated the western bypass is not a pressing priority and a southern bypass of the town is more important.

Palmerston North city councillor Gordon Cruden said the case for another bridge in Palmerston North across the Manawatu River would improve.

Kelvin Grove has been identified as one of the preferred sites for housing growth in the city and there are other possible sites for development, such as Aokautere.

That should boost the region's case for a subsidy from the New Zealand Transport Agency because of higher traffic counts in the area where a bridge would go, Dr Cruden suggested.

The bridge is included in the 30-year strategy, though NZTA has so far been non-committal about providing funding. It made sure references to funding were removed from the draft strategy.

The timing for a bridge at Staces Rd is expected to depend on the rate of urban growth and increase in traffic demand.

The adopted strategy highlights the importance of freight to the economy. Rail is expected to have an increasingly important role.

The strategy also takes into account likely increases in fuel prices as oil becomes scarce.

NZTA forecasts that petrol prices will rise to about $2.80 a litre by 2014, probably resulting in less vehicle use.

Auckland Regional Council forecasts petrol in New Zealand will cost about $4 a litre by 2040.

- © Fairfax NZ News