After more than a year of extensive assessment and consultation, the selected option for the Mt Messenger Bypass in Taranaki has finally been announced.

A route to the east has been selected, bypassing the existing route and providing a more direct and efficient route. This alignment was known as Option C during public consultation.

“In 2016 the Government announced that funding would be available to accelerate this project as part of the Accelerated Regional Roading Programme,” Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.

“Taranaki has the highest Gross Domestic Product per capita in New Zealand. This new and improved route will help increase productivity in the region and provide a safer, more resilient connection to the Waikato.”

The eastern alignment option delivers safety and travel time benefits while avoiding geologically unstable areas. It is also the preferred option of both the road transport sector and the Department of Conservation.

“This project will provide a host of wider economic benefits, including additional local employment opportunities, the development of region‘s tourism sector and a much-needed reliable freight and lifeline route connecting Taranaki and the Waikato,” Bridges says.

The project is estimated to cost $200 million and has an expected completion date of 2021.