National is promising to fully fund the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass if re elected, committing $800 million in its first Budget and saying construction will begin in 2027.

National transport spokesman Chris Bishop said the project would extend the Christchurch Northern Motorway about 11 kilometres north, from south of the Waimakariri River to beyond Pegasus and Ravenswood.

“This is the next major transport project Canterbury needs, and National will fund it so NZTA can get on and build it,” Bishop said.

The project includes widening the southern section of State Highway 1 from two lanes to four, building a new four lane motorway bypass around Woodend, upgrading major intersections and constructing new bridges and overbridges.

National said the $800 million would be provided as Crown capital, based on the 2025 NZ Transport Agency investment case.

Any costs above the $800 million would be met through the State Highway Improvements Activity Class of the National Land Transport Fund.

The Government has already allocated $127 million for pre implementation work, property purchases and early works. The project received fast track approval in July.

State Highway 1 approaching Woodend currently carries about 21,500 vehicles each day, including about nine percent freight traffic. National said that figure was expected to reach about 28,000 vehicles a day by 2048.

Between 2014 and 2023, there were 280 crashes on State Highway 1 through Woodend, including three deaths and 25 serious injuries.

NZTA estimates the new motorway and bypass could save motorists up to 10 minutes during peak periods and reduce traffic through Woodend from about 21,500 vehicles a day to 8,000.

National said the project was also expected to reduce deaths and serious injuries along the corridor by 78 percent.

“For locals, the bypass means getting their town centre back,” Bishop said.

“Moving through traffic and heavy trucks onto the new motorway will make Woodend safer, easier to get around and a better place for local businesses and the community.”

The plans include a grade separated interchange at Williams Street, replacing the Pegasus roundabout with an overbridge and signalised intersection, strengthening and widening the Kaiapoi Bridge, a new bridge over the Cam River and overbridges at Woodend Beach Road and Gladstone Road.

National said the project was expected to return up to $2.30 in benefits for every dollar invested.

The party said the $800 million would be committed in the 2027/28 financial year, allowing construction to begin in 2027.