The Government says long-awaited safety improvements at a busy Tasman intersection have taken a step forward, but funding is not yet committed to the project.
Design work now underway on upgrades to the SH60, Pugh Road and McShane Road in Appleby.
Associate Transport and South Island Minister James Meager says the work follows years of community concern about safety at the site.
"SH60 is a busy highway that supports freight, agriculture, and tourism. It is a vital transport corridor which connects Richmond to Māpua, Motueka, the Abel Tasman National Park, Tākaka, and Collingwood," he says.
"The community has long raised concerns about this site, and rightly so. There have been 22 recorded crashes here since 2021, most involving crossing or turning movements.
“This intersection is located near a popular retail and hospitality hub and currently carries about 12,000 vehicles per day. With Richmond continuing to grow, it is important the transport network keeps pace and known pressure points like this are addressed."
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and its appointed consultants, WSP-Stantec joint venture, will work with Tasman District Council, landowners, residents and businesses as the design process progresses.
James says once the design is complete, construction funding will be considered as part of the 2027–30 National Land Transport Programme.
