Construction gets underway on Fitzherbert Avenue Extension

Published on 13 November 2020

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A major shovel-ready project is underway with work set to start on a new extension linking Fitzherbert Avenue with Mosston Road.

The Fitzherbert Avenue extension was identified by Whanganui District Council in its previous long-term plan as a key growth project for the city, enabling the residential expansion of Springvale and industrial development on Mill Road.

The project is partially funded under the Whanganui Redeployment fund as part of the shovel-ready framework set by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, intended to stimulate the local and national economy post COVID-19.

Whanganui District Council Mayor Hamish McDouall says the work will contribute positively to the local economy.

“This and other infrastructure projects are a major factor in our plans for future-proofing Whanganui, enabling sustainable residential and industrial growth as well as safer transport links.”

Senior Roading Engineer Brent Holmes says the project will create an important connection linking Castlecliff and the Westbourne industrial zone to the city and State Highway 3.

“The direct arterial link will improve freight efficiency across the city and redirect significant volumes of traffic away from narrow residential roads and vulnerable school routes.”

Whanganui & Partners’ Interim Chief Executive Gaelle Deighton says that road infrastructure is a key consideration for businesses thinking about moving or expanding to Whanganui, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

“The road connection to new housing developments is also important to our economy, making room for further population growth. We recently saw our population grow to 48,100 residents, and while this represents sustained growth and a new record population for Whanganui, our rate of growth is below the New Zealand average. We expect the rate of our growth to increase in the coming years, and it’s great we’re preparing our infrastructure.”

A new 600m section of road will be built linking the western end of Fitzherbert Avenue to Mosston Road, including widening of the planned Mosston/Fitzherbert intersection, with a right turn bay approaching from the southern end and left turn slip lane from the northern end of Mosston Road.

The project includes new reticulated and utility underground services to future-proof intended residential expansion in Springvale, consistent with the recently approved Springvale Structure Plan and rezoning process. The project also includes a three metre wide off-road shared pathway to encourage and facilitate safer climate-friendly transport modes.

Work is expected to be completed before 30 June 2021, weather permitting. Roads will remain open during construction, with speed restrictions in place.

More information is available on the Fitzherbert Avenue extension project page.

 

 

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