Coasties might face longer waits for significant road improvements, as the government’s newly unveiled National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) prioritises state highway projects over other transport initiatives.

Announced last week, the NLTP designates NZ$7 billion for highway upgrades through 2027 and an additional NZ$1 billion for accelerated planning, but no new highways will commence immediately.

The substantial NZ$8 billion budget will largely fund planning, environmental reviews, and route protection rather than actual construction.

For example, the State Highway 1 Warkworth-to-Wellsford project is slated to start construction late in this NLTP period, while other major projects, such as the State Highway 16 North-West alternative highway, are not expected to break ground for several years.

Dr Timothy Welch from the University of Auckland School of Architecture and Planning cautions that the focus on extensive preparatory work could delay tangible infrastructure improvements, potentially worsening traffic congestion and deferring more urgent urban projects.

The NLTP also indicates a retreat from sustainable transport solutions.

Investment in cycling and walking initiatives has plummeted to NZ$460 million, and public transport improvements have been restricted to NZ$136 million across New Zealand.

Auckland will see just NZ$100 million allocated for its public transport system.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown’s emphasis on road maintenance, with NZ$10.06 billion set aside for maintaining the existing road network, further highlights a shift towards preserving current infrastructure over expanding urban transit options.

This NLTP’s heavy focus on highways, coupled with reduced funding for public and active transport projects, may reinforce a car-dependent future, rather than supporting more sustainable and efficient urban transport solutions.