Roadworks
Southland District Council is grappling with funding challenges that could force parts of three sealed roads to revert to gravel. The roads affected include Crooked Rd near Riversdale, Waterloo Rd near Mossburn, and Wilanda Downs Rd near Ohai, where sections are in significant disrepair.
A report prepared for a council meeting noted that the district has the second largest road network in New Zealand, with close to 5000km of roads. Maintaining such a vast network has become unsustainable, given the small ratepayer base and a lack of sufficient funding from the National Land Transport Plan (NLTP).
Crooked Rd is dealing with a 200m section needing "significant investment." Meanwhile, a 490m stretch of Wilanda Downs Rd and over 600m of Waterloo Rd are also in very poor condition. According to the council, reverting to gravel in these areas is being considered because maintaining sealed surfaces is no longer cost-effective.
The report stated, "Previously, this reduction in level of service has largely been a theoretical impact if appropriate funding is not secured. However, this is now reality with three real-life examples that require a decision."
Southland Mayor Rob Scott recently raised the issue in a letter to then-transport minister Simeon Brown, describing the council’s difficulties in keeping the network functional. The report pointed out that maintaining 2000km of sealed roads in the district is financially unsustainable without more investment.
Another cost-saving measure proposed by the council is to stop painting edge markings on roads, a move estimated to save $1.2 million but with safety implications.
In October, Simeon Brown acknowledged that no council receives full funding for its requests to NZTA. Southland District Council had submitted a $143 million funding bid but received only 87% of the requested amount.
Southland isn't alone in its struggles. Tasman District Council raised similar concerns about road safety and maintenance funding, while Ashburton District Council used $2.46 million from ratepayers to seal 50km of roads. Gisborne District Council also reported difficulties maintaining 86 sealed roads due to financial constraints.
This growing trend highlights the challenges faced by regional councils across New Zealand in balancing budgets while maintaining road safety and quality.
Reporting by LDR, whatsoninvers.nz