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Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer is calling for the Muldoon's corner project on the Rimutaka Hill Road to be put back on its original track for construction.
The MP was responding to Transit's new draft 10-year plan for state highways, announced today. The plan highlights significant cost increases as the reason for moving the project from a 2006-07 start to 2013.
Transit says the cost of the project to straighten curves 500m south of the Rimutaka summit has increased significantly and it is reviewing all options to see if a better solution can be found.
Ms Beyer said although it's good practice when working with taxpayers' and road users' money to look for cost-effective answers, she's disappointed that Transit is treating the project as a lower priority than before.
"Nothing's changed on the road - its corners are as tight as ever and big trucks sometimes have little option but to cross the centre line. We still need the corners straightened," she said.
"Everyone in Wairarapa would like to see the project restored to its previous priority ranking. I'll be exploring the possibility of using some of the $100 million set aside for strategic roading in last week's Wellington Transport Project announcement.
"I'm prepared to work with Transit to ensure we get the right solution - and get Muldoon's corner sorted as soon as possible."
The MP said it was pleasing to see the Transit plan confirm that re-tendering of the Waiohine Bridge replacement was under way and that new passing lanes are proposed on SH2 between Carterton and Masterton and between Greytown and Featherston.
Also, regular travellers to and from Wellington will be glad to hear that the $58.2m Dowse to Petone interchange on SH2 is due to start soon.
Transit's plan is currently only a draft, so local authorities, farmers, business organisations and others are being encouraged to have their say. Copies of the draft plan at: www.transit.govt.nz
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