Council provides ongoing
management, development and arranges for maintenance of the
district's transport networks. The main assets are: sealed
and metalled roads, bridges, culverts, street lights and pedestrian
facilities.
The transport network in the Opotiki District enables people and
goods to move in an efficient and safe manner that avoids damage to
the environment. The transport network contributes to the
economic and social development of the district.
Council is the road controlling authority for 314 km of rural roads
and 26.7km of urban roads with 51 bridges throughout the
district. Whilst urban roads are sealed, 187 km of rural road
is unsealed. The summary replacement value of the district's
roading assets, managed by the Council, inclusive of land is as
follows:
|
Rural roads |
$111,298,000 |
|
Bridges |
$14,520,000 |
|
Rural street lights |
$7,000 |
|
Urban roads |
$17,566,000 |
|
Footpaths |
$2,023,000 |
|
Urban street lights |
$513,000 |
|
Total |
$145,947,000 |
With the projected population
growth for the district, it is currently believed that the services
offered in this activity will be sufficient to meet the needs of
the community. The main issues facing the district in this
activity are the increasing number of logging trucks (a safety
issue on both the highway and on local roads, asset damage and dust
nuisance on unsealed rural roads) and the demand for sealing the
unsealed road surfaces.
State Highway 2 and State Highway 35 are critical for the
District's transport. These roads are managed by The New
Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA).
Lengths of highways within the district are:
State Highway 2 79
km
State Highway 35 124 km
Council is currently seeking to improve transportation by
investigating the possibility of a domestic sea freight
service. Preliminary research has identified key existing and
potential new industries that could benefit from a domestic sea
freight service in place.
Council works to ensure an integrated transport network by working
with other agencies and authorities as part of the Regional
Transport Committee.

