Wellington, Aug 6 NZPA - The Tauranga Eastern Link, a four-lane motorway, may be tolled so it can be built sooner.

The New Zealand Transport Agency started consultation on the idea today.

Transport Minister Stephen Joyce said tolling in conjunction with government funding could see construction under way next year.

"The Tauranga eastern link was identified as a road of national significance as it will be a key driver of productivity and growth in the Bay of Plenty and Tauranga -- one of New Zealand's fastest growing areas," Mr Joyce said.

"The new road will boost productivity, improve access to the Port of Tauranga and greatly enhance safety. This consultation is a step in the process of assessing whether tolling is a way to deliver the benefits sooner."

Under the $455 million project a four-lane motorway from Te Maunga to Paengaroa by-passing Te Puke would be built.

"At 23km it will be New Zealand's longest single four-lane state highway project."

The work involved an upgrade of the existing State Highway 2 between Te Maunga and Domain Road at Papamoa; and a new section of motorway from Domain Road to Paengaroa.

It would mean a return journey between Paengaroa and Te Maunga would be 24 minutes quicker.

"As well as shortening the journey for motorists and reducing transport costs for business, greater efficiencies and access to the Port of Tauranga will help increase the volume of exports and in turn the growth of the region.

"The new road will also bring significant safety benefits to what is currently the second most dangerous piece of state highway in the country."

The toll proposed would be no higher than $2 for light vehicles or $4 for heavy commercial vehicles. As soon as debt and financing costs are repaid, tolls would be removed.