Roading

Council maintains and manages the local roading network including roads, street lighting and signage.

Roading contributes By

• Developing and maintaining a safe and affordable transport network to enable access, to from and within the district.

– in action – 

Pou Herenga Tai - Twin Coast Cycle Trail

What we said we would do in 2013/14

Discussions with the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway Trust to access a connection from Kawakawa to Opua. 

What we did in 2013/14

Discussion with Bay of Islands Vintage Railway Trust to establish use of the Taumarere to Opua section as a cycle track. Construction of this section completed pending Long Bridge decking. Construction completed for the Okaihau to Utakura 14km section. Negotiations in progress for the Utakura to Horeke sections.

What we plan to do in 2014/15

Completion of the section between Kawakawa and Kaikohe.

– development so far – 

Upgrading Intersection, SH10

What we said  we would do in 2013/14

Continuing to work with New Zealand Transport Agency  (NZTA) towards upgrading the intersection of State Highway 10 (Waipapa Road / Waipapa Loop Road) to a roundabout and at the same time complete the link road between Kahikatearoa Road and Waipapa Loop Road (Klinac Lane).

What we did in 2013/14

Continued lobbying of NZTA to promote localized issues in support of the project.

What we plan to do in 2014/15

Continuing to work with NZTA towards upgrading the intersection of State Highway 10 (Waipapa Road/Waipapa Loop Road) to a roundabout and at the same time complete the link road between Kahikatearoa Road and Waipapa Loop Road (Klinac Lane). Council is considering a left turn lane from Waipapa Road to State Highway 10 as an initial initiative to relieve congestion until funding from NZTA is available to complete the roundabout.

– what we have achieved in 2013/14 –  

Pavement Rehabilitation

We have completed approximately 8.5 kilometres of sealed road pavement rehabilitation.

Tau Henare Drive

Maintenance carried out.

Safety improvements

Target improvements were exceeded.

Safer Driving

The community programmes have been implemented as planned.

– where are we now? – 

• Due to increased costs of routine maintenance, Council did not achieve the targeted renewals programme, 1.3% (approximately 11 km of sealed road pavement rehabilitation) and 9% (approximately 80 km of reseals in 2013-14).
• The NZTA has not raised its priority ranking of the Waipapa State Highway/Loop Road roundabout proposal.
• Increased costs associated with the unsealed metalling budget causing under investment in pavement rehabs and reseals.
• The increased maintenance costs due to high intensity weather events September 2013.
• There is a shortfall in funding available to complete the Pou Herenga Tai - Twin Coast Cycle Trail. Council is to put a case before the Government for additional funding in 2014. Currently estimates of that cost are being prepared and will form part of Council’s case for more funding. 

- key priorities planned for 2014/15 –

Transport Strategy and Advocacy Plan

Given the significance of the road network for the
district and the impact on economic and social development, a transport strategy will be developed to explore all opportunities to access funding streams. FNDC needs to have the ability to make
a comprehensive and compelling case to government, given the impact of proposed changes to the financial assistance rate, National Roads of Significance,
National Roads Hierarchy and the impact of heavier vehicles on the network.

Forest Impact Study 

Forest Impact Study - The study is being undertaken with the intent to develop a clear strategy for managing the forestry impacts on Far North roads. In addition, the study will identify any funding shortfall that exists in maintaining forestry roads for inclusion in the 2015 – 2025 Long-Term Plan. The study has three phases:

• Data collection, demand modelling and asset strength assessment
• Estimation of maintenance program and associated cost
• A funding strategy

The information collected will be shared with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) with a view to obtaining additional subsidy.

Route between Butler Road and Clarke Road, Kerikeri

Complete investigations and consultation relating to designating the route between Butler Road and Clarke Road, Kerikeri and completing the preliminary work required prior to construction.

NZTA Funding

Ensuring Council completes a strong submission to proposed changes to funding assistance arrangements with NZTA through a Transport Strategy and Advocacy Plan explained above.