Positive progress is being made with a number of Council roading projects being completed in Pookeno in recent months, says Waikato District Council Mayor, Jacqui Church.
“The recently finished Pookeno Main Street upgrade on Great South Road, between Marlborough Street and Wellington Street has transformed the main street into a welcoming space for everyone with new paving, road narrowing, traffic calming measures, and a new pedestrian crossing.
And we’ve had positive reports that the Great South Road/Pookeno Road roundabout has improved safety and made it easier for vehicles to navigate the intersection, since its completion in October,” she said.
However, it's not always a smooth road for local roadworks. Funding shortfalls and under-road service complications have meant the delay to the delivery of some other Pookeno roading projects.
These projects, around the ongoing development of the Pookeno sports park site on Munro Road, have been held up due to significantly constrained funding from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and services, which have unearthed complications beneath Munro Road.
The Sports Park development promises to deliver future sports and recreational facilities for the town, complete with off-street parking.
With the Phase 2 earthworks and car park already completed, Phase 3 is under way; transitioning the site’s concept plan into a comprehensive master plan.
Other roading projects delayed due to funding availability include the Pookeno Road resilience, bridge replacement, and corridor minor improvements projects, the Helenslee Road minor improvements, and the Dean Road/Fraser Road intersection upgrade.
The Government focus on Roads of National and Regional Significance has meant that local government roading projects across the country, such as the ones highlighted above, have received limited or no co-funding from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
While the funding issues are delaying the construction of these projects, design and consent work continues.
“This is to ensure that the preparation is done so we can start construction on these projects as soon as funding becomes available.
“We understand the community’s frustration with the delays but remain committed to advancing with the design and consent work, so we are ready to go when funding is available. We will keep you informed as we progress,” said Mayor Jacqui.
"Our goal is to build a better future for Pookeno, and we appreciate the community's patience and support."
To stay updated, check out Waikato District Council’s Project page.
