Timaru Intersection Upgrade To Unlock GrowthHon Mark PattersonAssociate Minister for Regional DevelopmentHon James MeagerAssociate Minister of TransportMinister for the South IslandThe Government has committed a $2.84 million grant through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to clear bottlenecks on State Highway 1, unlocking major commercial development and new jobs. Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says the congestion has been putting real pressure on locals, slowing down daily travel, making it harder for businesses to move goods, and affecting the flow of people across the region. The upgrade to the intersection will also enable the second stage of the Timaru Showgrounds development to proceed, which is expected to add 20,000m² of commercial space and create up to 300 long-term jobs in Timaru,” Mr Patterson says. The project will deliver a redesigned intersection with improved traffic flow, upgraded signalling, and safer pedestrian and cycle access. “Improving the intersection and reducing these transport delays will cut costs for businesses, improve reliability for freight, and keep the local economy moving,” Associate Transport and South Island Minister James Meager says.