Kapiti Coast District Council and the NZ Transport Agency are asking the public for feedback on how the existing state highway 1 can be revitalised . This proposal is being looked at alongside the MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka Expressway project.
The Council and the NZTA have announced public expos for the community to see and discuss concepts and ideas for the road's revitalisation.
The dates, times and locations for the expos are:
Kāpiti Mayor Jenny Rowan says she encourages the public to get involved and have their say.
"This is a real opportunity to influence the character of the current state highway to improve safety for all road users and create a more attractive environment, including more cohesive town centres at Waikanae and Paraparaumu."
"By planning ahead we can ensure we make these town centres more user-friendly for the local community, and make them a destination, rather than a pit stop, for our town visitors."
NZTA Regional Director Jenny Chetwynd says that upon completion of the proposed MacKays to Peka Peka Expressway, the existing state highway would no longer need to accommodate large volumes of high speed traffic, and can be modified accordingly.
"As a local arterial, this would mean lower traffic numbers and a safer speed environment. With that improved safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists comes the prospect of upgrading the road to better suit the needs of the Kāpiti community."
Ms Chetwynd says the public are being asked for their input at this early stage to enable the MacKays to Peka Peka Expressway Alliance to develop a concept for the future of the current state highway, before lodging its application for consents for the MacKays to Peka Peka Expressway with the Environmental Protection Authority.
The proposals are at concept stage, with the cost, timing and funding of any improvements to be determined once feedback has been received and the scope of any improvements has been agreed.
Information on the proposals can be found at www.nzta.govt.nz/m2ppproject(external link) or www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/expressways(external link).
