The NZ Transport Agency is asking Wellingtonians to provide feedback on proposals for transport improvements between Cobham Drive and Buckle Street, released today.
NZTA Regional Director Central Jenny Chetwynd says this will be the first time the full set of proposals has been presented together as an integrated package, and the NZTA is asking Wellingtonians for their views on the proposals over the course of an eight week public engagement period running from today to 26 August.
“These proposals will make it easier, quicker and safer for everyone to travel between the CBD and the eastern suburbs. This will help to grow Wellington’s economy and make the city a better place to live.”
The proposals include:
Ms Chetwynd says the improvements will provide an integrated multi-modal transport solution for the city.
“We’re seeking feedback on a package for Wellington that will reduce congestion, free up the Basin Reserve and other roads for better public transport, and provide a continuous, dedicated and safer link for pedestrians and cyclists between Cobham Drive and Buckle Street.”
“We’re eager to hear the public’s views and we encourage people to closely consider our proposals, visit our Information Centre and Open Days, and make a submission.
“Feedback from the public is crucial to provide a local perspective that will help to guide our decisions as we shape the required approvals we will be seeking under the Resource Management Act.”
Ms Chetwynd says the NZTA is working closely with Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council to ensure the improvements will advance the objectives of the Ngauranga to Airport Corridor Plan.
“These improvements form a key part of the Ngauranga to Airport Corridor Plan, which is a package of measures that will improve transport in the city by improving inner city traffic flows, facilitating the council's existing and future public transport systems and improving walking and cycling facilities in the city.
“We’re aiming to provide an effective transport solution for Wellingtonians while also considering the effects of these improvements on Wellington's environmental, urban amenity and cultural heritage.”
Ms Chetwynd says as part of the Wellington Northern Corridor Road of National Significance, the inner city state highway improvements will also play a crucial role in supporting economic growth, easing congestion and improving safety on highways and local roads by providing a robust, future-proofed link between Wellington and the rest of the North Island.
While the delivery of these projects will be staged over time, the NZTA is providing people with information on all of the proposed improvements at the same time so that it is clear how they will work together to improve transport in the city. The Basin Reserve improvements are the first major improvements scheduled for construction.
“The Basin Reserve is a major bottleneck, where numerous streams of traffic from different directions compete to use a very constrained road space. We’ve proposed a new bridge to separate traffic, which will help to free up road space for public transport priority measures and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists who use this area.”
The proposals also included a new Mount Victoria Tunnel, the widening of Ruahine Street, and a dedicated cycle facility from Cobham Drive to the Basin Reserve. The widening of Ruahine Street and Wellington Road will require some encroachment into the Town Belt, and Ms Chetwynd says the NZTA plans to provide adjoining land to the Town Belt to offset this.
“We understand the value of the Basin Reserve and the Town Belt to Wellingtonians and we are committed to working closely with councils and communities to ensure that we mitigate the impacts of these proposals on Wellington’s environment and heritage.”
Ms Chetwynd says the NZTA has personally informed all affected property owners to ensure that they are aware of the proposals and their rights and entitlements under the Public Works Act. A brochure will be sent to all households in Wellington City outlining the proposals, and extensive information is available on the project website www.nzta.govt.nz/witi(external link).
A project information centre at the Basin Reserve’s RA Vance Stand on Sussex Street will be open from 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday from 4 July onwards, with the exception of Thursdays, when opening hours will be 3pm to 8pm.
For more information please contact:
Anthony Frith
Media Manager – Central
T 04 894 5251
M 027 213 7617
anthony.frith@nzta.govt.nz
www.nzta.govt.nz(external link)
See also: FAQs – Cobham Drive to Buckle Street transport improvements
