Southern Links is a network of state highway and urban arterial routes involving the construction of 21 km of state highway, three new bridges and 11 km of urban arterial roads inside Hamilton’s Peacocke growth area.
The project also includes a new Hamilton bridge over the Waikato River, which will be constructed to support growth in Peacocke.
The Southern Links project will also allow for a future connection to the Waikato Expressway.
The project has been in planning stage since 2018. It was revitalised in 2024 when it was included in the draft land GPS 2024 as a 'Road of National Signifiance'.
Funding contributions
NZ Government |
PROJECT HISTORY
2018 | HCC considered the timing and funding of Southern Links, along with other infrastructure, as part of the 2018 review of HCC's 10 Year Plan. Major roadworks as part of the Southern Links project were not included in the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) and as such there is no timeline for construction at this stage. |
Sep 2023 | Waka Kotahi completed a review into the form and function of the proposed state highway transport components of Southern Links to ensure the project accounts for changes that have occurred since the route was designated in 2014. The review concluded that the project should be delivered in stages based on each section's degree of urgency. The project remains unfunded. |
Mar 2024 | Hamilton Southern Links was included as a Road of National Significance, flagged to receive funding, in the Government's 10 year draft land GPS. |
Apr 2024 | NZTA released its State Highway Investment Proposal 2024–34, confirming expected project development, design and consenting would occur between 2024 and 2027, with construction expected to commence in 2027. |