Tauranga Residents Face Costs for Asphalt Streets Over Cheaper Option

Residents of Tauranga have been informed that if they wish to maintain their streets in asphalt, they will need to cover the costs themselves. The Tauranga City Council recently announced its decision to proceed with a chipseal resurfacing program for local roads, a move that has sparked criticism among those who prefer the smoother finish of asphalt.

During a meeting held earlier this week, the council affirmed its commitment to the “fit-for-purpose” chipseal resurfacing initiative, set to roll out this summer. According to the council, chipseal material is significantly more cost-effective, being approximately five times cheaper than asphalt. This decision aligns with the council’s goal to maximize value for public funds while addressing the maintenance needs of the city’s roadways.

The council has also committed to creating a policy that allows local communities to self-fund the additional costs associated with upgrading their streets to asphalt. This policy aims to provide residents with the option to enhance their road surfaces if they are willing to bear the financial burden.

In light of these developments, Mayor Mahé Drysdale addressed the community, acknowledging that the solutions presented may not be ideal. He referred to the options as “imperfect” but emphasized that they represent the “best we could do” under the current circumstances. The council has since issued two media releases aimed at clarifying the rationale behind its decisions and addressing community concerns.

Critics of the chipseal plan argue that the rough texture and increased noise from chipseal surfaces detract from the quality of life in residential areas. Some residents have voiced their dissatisfaction, suggesting that the council should prioritize asphalt resurfacing in order to maintain higher standards for suburban streets built by developers.

The council’s approach has sparked a broader discussion on infrastructure funding and the responsibilities of local governments versus community stakeholders. As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen how many residents will opt to self-fund the transition to asphalt, and what impact this will have on future road maintenance policies.

With the resurfacing program set to begin in summer 2024, the council is preparing to engage with residents to further discuss the implications of these decisions. The ongoing dialogue will likely shape the future of road maintenance in Tauranga and influence how the city balances cost-effectiveness with community preferences.