Whakatāne District Council has now finalised its list of which gravel roads will be sealed and when according to its Seal Extension Policy.

Edgecumbe Soldiers, Hallett and Orini Roads will be among some of the first to be sealed under the new policy.

Council Manager Transportation Martin Taylor said Council had resolved during the last Long-Term Plan process to set aside $750,000 annually to gradually seal gravel roads throughout the District.

“We know that environmental impacts from unsealed roads, like dust, noise, and vibration, have ongoing harmful effects on people and the environment,” he said.

“We are very conscious of the impacts of dust from these roads on people’s health and want to ensure the money we invest in sealing gravel roads is spent in the places that have the most impact on people’s health.”

The new Seal Extension Policy allows Council to use a tool to prioritise roads according to the highest need. Under this policy those roads with the highest score will be sealed first.

The score is based on community impacts like traffic and speed, how many houses are on the road and the surrounding environment. It also considers, to a lesser extent, economic benefits like completing two neighbouring roads at the same time and available budget in a given year.

The full priority list for the next 10 years can be found on the Council website at Whakatane.govt.nz/road-sealing.

This list is subject to change should there be any unforeseen or emergency circumstances.