Council workshop explores options for second river crossing
A council workshop yesterday discussed the results of a study and modelling on congestion across Control Gates Bridge, the likely impacts of future growth on traffic; and possible options for further investigation.
Deputy Mayor Kevin Taylor, who chaired the workshop, stressed that the options presented were a first cut only and no decisions had already been made, or would be made at the workshop or in any other forum until after full public consultation.
“This is at the early stages – there’s another Long-term Plan process to go through. It’s draft information, there’s a lot of conversations to have with stakeholders and businesses and this is just information-sharing.”
Any solution to relieve congestion must:
- Support long-term growth
- Improve the efficiency of the transport network
- Improve resilience, both in terms of natural disasters and maintenance
- Split travel routes so that all traffic entering Taupō is not funnelled to the same place
- Allow for walking and cycling as well as vehicles
A study undertaken by consultants WSP looked at options ranging from a three lane or four lane bridge in the current location to adding a second two-lane bridge downstream, plus various ways of connecting into the Taupō CBD and further east.
At this stage, modelling shows that a second bridge downstream of the current bridge with a link to Spa Rd via Opepe St would best support growth and increase efficiency and resilience. It would avoid the Tongariro St/Spa Rd roundabout and split traffic heading east towards schools and the industrial area away from traffic heading to the Taupō town centre.
This is a draft proposal only.
Next steps:
- Refine the options
- Explore what intersection changes might be needed
- Work with the current Control Gates bridge owner (Mercury)
- Engage with iwi and hapū
- Refine the budget and explore funding sources, for example NZTA funding
- Review growth and growth models
The project was included as a line item in the Long-term Plan for 2024-34 so that council could begin to collect development contributions towards the cost and also start detailed investigations. We will consult with the community on this project in 2027 as part of the 2027-37 Long-term Plan.
The indicative budget is $76.9 million however this figure will be refined over the next few years, depending on final options and designs.
The earliest possible dates for construction could be around 2030 but this will be determined by the rate of traffic growth and the outcomes of the public and stakeholder consultation.
You can also watch the council workshop on our YouTube channel.
