National’s $31 billion infrastructure package

Judith Collins has announced a massive $31 billion infrastructure package. Key details are:

• Everything Labour has pledged except their “ghost trains” and Skypath 2
• Four lane expressways to connect up Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga
• Rail to Auckland Airport
• A goal of 30 minutes for Aucklanders to get to work and no more than an hour to cross the city
• A 2nd harbour crossing to commence construction in 2028, for both road and rail
• $14 billion of further announcements for the lower NI and SI to come
• Repeal the Auckland Fuel Tax
• No increases to fuel tax or road user charges in first term
• Open to revenue neutral congestion pricing
• Build a NorthWest Rapid Bus Corridor and between Onehunga and CBD
• Build a third and fourth main line for Auckland Rail

A stunningly bold and visionary package. Just imagine four lane express ways between the four major cities of Upper North Island.

The difference between two and four lanes is massive. On a two lane road all traffic moves at the pace of the slowest vehicle on it. On a four land road, traffic can and often will travel at the designated limit.