Cambridge Chamber chief executive Kelly Bouzaid has appealed to Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan to support fast tracking Waikato Expressway on and off ramps at the end of Tīrau Road.
The Ferguson Bridge roundabout at peak time shortly after 5pm with traffic streaming down the hill from central Cambridge.
“They would allow through traffic, particularly from the highway, to bypass the town centre, significantly reducing local traffic congestion,” she said in a letter seen by The News.
“It also supports the town’s long-term growth, safety, and sustainability.”
Kelly Bouzaid
The appeal comes after Taupō MP Louise Upston said she had asked the New Zealand Transport Agency – a long-time critic of the on-off ramps – to think again.
A review of the troubled Cambridge Connections project recommended Waipā District Council should look at adding ramps to reduce commuter congestion, particularly to and from Leamington.
Most of that commuter traffic goes through the central business district while adding on-off ramps at Tīrau Road would take vehicles over Fergusson (Lower Level) Bridge and around the town towards Hautapu.
“Enhanced access to the highway can attract businesses, particularly those involved in logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing, which rely on efficient transport links. The ramps make the town more appealing for investment, leading to job creation and economic diversification,” said Bouzaid.
It would be a strategic investment that not only addresses current traffic challenges but would support the town’s long-term growth, safety and sustainability.
“Your backing would be instrumental in ensuring that our voices are heard at the national level.
“I believe that with your leadership and the collective effort of our community, we can achieve a positive result.”
Susan O’Regan
Members of the council’s Service Delivery committee directed staff to do further work following a report from WSP – a global consulting company with an office in Hamilton – which also recommended widening the Fergusson and Karāpiro Stream bridges.
Staff recommendations will be discussed at a future meeting, possibly as early as September 17.
On-off ramps at Tīrau Road were never part of the Waikato Expressway design because the Victoria Road interchange in Cambridge provided both northbound and southbound connections, NZTA told The News two years ago.
Installing them would encourage short trips around the town on the expressway which was not the road’s purpose and would lead to traffic congestion at the Tīrau and Hautapu ramps at peak times.
In a We Say in May 2022, The News said: “The logic behind the proposal is clear – and the issue demands investigation.”
We continue to encourage the on-off ramps as a viable solution.
See: Road issue ramped up
See: Upston on Tirau Road
See: Making connections
See: Bridge a ‘bolt out of the blue’
See: Put it there! Corridor for third bridge revealed
Peak time just after 5pm at the southern end of the Waikato Expressway at Tirau Road – while Cambridge is congested.
