Transport Minister Simeon Brown has announced upgrades to Nesbitt's Dip on State Highway 2 (SH2) and Rototahe on State Highway 35 (SH35).
The projects will proceed due to improved efficiencies in the Government's North Island Weather Event recovery programme. A total of $609.25 million was committed for state highway recovery after Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods damaged the region extensively.
The upgrades aim to raise the height of both highways above the flood level, improve drainage, and provide a safer route for communities on the East Coast. The works will enable people and freight to travel quickly and safely through the area, which has been plagued by frequent flooding and road closures.
Brown said the projects would proceed within existing funding, citing the Government's focus on achieving value for money and improving efficiency across the recovery programme. Crews are expected to start work soon, with the goal of returning the state highway corridors to their original standard.