29 May 2023

Government to spend $6 billion to stop roads flooding

From Morning Report, 6:46 am on 29 May 2023
A car is caught in floodwaters on Kintara Drive, Massey, as downpours hit Auckland, 9 May 2023.

A car is caught in floodwaters on Kintara Drive, Massey, Photo: Supplied

Auckland's Council is in talks with the government about moving some roads to safer ground amid the threat of flooding and climate change.

The government has committed $6-billion over four years into transport resilience projects, starting with the likes of a new drainage system on State Highway 1 near Epsom, in Auckland.

The road was flooded and couldn't be driven on during the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods, and was a long standing risk identified by Waka Kotahi.

Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says Auckland's roading network will look very different in future with some roads rerouted in safer locations.

She told Morning Report's Ben Strang she is happy the government is focusing on resilience.