A recently released report by the AA Research Foundation, Safety Benefits of New Roads, shows that the Mackays to Peka Peka section of the K\u0101piti Expressway (M2PP) has significantly improved both the focus area of improvement and surrounding districts. The opening of M2PP in 2017 has led to a 62% reduction in deaths and serious injuries, with a single fatality yet to occur on the stretch. The opening of two new road sections last year, Te Aranui o Te Rangihaeata \u2013 Transmission Gully Motorway (TG) and the Peka Peka to \u014ctaki Expressway (PP2O) promise similar hope in road safety progress, each significantly reducing accidents and deaths.<\/p>\n
Monique Leith, K\u0101piti Coast Chamber of Commerce Co-Chair, says these changes not only represent increased security for vehicular travel, but in productivity and well-being.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe increased certainty around travel and time spent travelling is life-changing for the energy levels of weary commuters who have battled traffic, long commute times, and unpredictable road closures for many years\u201d says Monique Leith. Increased security and productivity have flow-on economic benefits, with many in K\u0101piti feeling that business has already improved from TG, and early results from the PP2O look hopeful for \u014ctaki.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe elevated level of resilience now enjoyed from increased safety, mental well-being, ease of use, and encouraging economic benefits all strengthen the case for completion of the northern-most section of the project \u2013 \u014ctaki to North of Levin (O2NL)\u201d says Monique Leith. High-incident areas along the current stretch have seen 19 deaths and 56 serious injuries over the past five years, clearly signalling an update to the road is urgently needed to save lives. \u201cNot only do these road incidents represent devastating tragedies that send shockwaves through our communities, the resulting traffic congestion and uncertainty take a toll that threatens local economies\u201d Monique Leith says. Aware of how vitally important O2NL is to resolve existing congestion issues and complete the expressway corridor, Chamber\u2019s advocacy subcommittee will continue to keep a close eye on project developments and champion their progress.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A recently released report by the AA Research Foundation, Safety Benefits of New Roads, shows that the Mackays to Peka Peka section of the K\u0101piti Expressway (M2PP) has significantly improved both the focus area of improvement and surrounding districts. The opening of M2PP in 2017 has led to a 62% reduction in deaths and serious […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1787,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n