National has promised to commit $800 million to fully fund the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass if re-elected, allowing construction to begin next year.
National’s transport spokesperson Chris Bishop announced the funding today, saying it would be included in National’s first Budget following the election.
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“This is the next major transport project Canterbury needs, and National will fund it so NZTA can get on and build it,” Bishop said.
The project would extend the Christchurch Northern Motorway 11km north towards Pegasus and Ravenswood, including upgrading the existing State Highway 1 to four lanes and building a new four-lane bypass around Woodend.
Bishop said the project was designed to address growing congestion and safety concerns as the Woodend, Pegasus and Ravenswood communities continued to expand.
“SH1 approaching Woodend already carries around 21,500 vehicles a day, around 9% of them freight, and that is expected to increase to around 28,000 vehicles a day by 2048,” he said.
“That pressure is being felt in Woodend itself. At peak times it can take up to 20 minutes to travel through the town, while heavy through-traffic makes it harder for locals to access shops, schools and other parts of the community.”
The project was prioritised as a Road of National Significance in 2024 and detailed design and consenting had since been completed. Early works were already under way.
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However, NZTA said in July there was no confirmed funding available for the main construction work to begin in the short term due to broader funding constraints.
Bishop said National's $800 million commitment would allow the main construction phase to begin in 2027.
"For locals, the bypass means getting their town centre back," he said.
"Moving through-traffic and heavy trucks onto the new motorway will make Woodend safer, easier to get around and a better place for local businesses and the community."
Speaking to media, Bishop said they were taking advice on potential tolling of the new road.
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