The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is asking Woodend and surrounding communities for their feedback on two highway corridor options under consideration to improve safety and traffic flows on State Highway 1 (SH1) through the broader Woodend area.
One option involves four laning the existing highway, with the other option building a new highway alignment to the east of the Woodend. Both options include four-laning the motorway from Lineside Road to Pineacres. Public consultation on the two options is scheduled to begin at the end of this month. This project will reduce travel times and increase safety on SH1 in North Canterbury and into Christchurch from the north. It will also further improve the efficiency on SH1 along with the Western Belfast Bypass and the proposed Northern Corridor that form part of the Christchurch Road of National Significance programme.
NZTA State Highway Manager Colin Knaggs says traffic volumes along SH1 in North Canterbury are expected to double over the next 30 years. These traffic increases will come from increased freight demand as well as population growth in the surrounding area.
"Both options in the Woodend investigation will future-proof this route by increasing the capacity of SH1, improving safety and travel time reliability, and supporting economic growth."
Mr Knaggs says while there has been considerable previous consultation on this project, feedback on the two corridor options will help the Agency in making a decision on what land should be protected for the chosen corridor. Construction work is likely to be up to 15 years away.
An open day is being held in the Woodend Community Centre on 6 August between 9am and 6pm. Mr Knaggs says it is an opportunity to view displays of the two corridors and interchange options plus a host of other information. NZTA staff and consultants will be on hand to answer questions. It is important people have their say, as this is another key step in the process towards getting a highway designation for this project.
A consultation pack with details on both options will be mailed out to about 3000 households including a response form asking for the community’s preferences and issues with each corridor. Consultation closes on 19 August 2011.
Mr Knaggs said following the open day, NZTA staff and/or their consultants will be working from a community office at the Woodend Community Centre from Monday 8 August to Friday 12 August between 10am and 6pm. They will be available to meet individual residents with questions or concerns or meetings can be booked by phoning 03 343 8766. For more information you can also go to the website www.nzta.govt.nz/woodend-corridor(external link).
For more information please contact:
Bob Nettleton
Regional Communications Advisor
T DDI 03 951 3005
M 021 954 928
E bob.nettleton@nzta.govt.nz
