Applicant
NZ Transport Agency
Purpose
To seek the Board's approval for funding the investigation of the Christchurch Northern Access package, which includes the New Zealand Transport Agency's SH74 Christchurch Northern Arterial project and Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) Drive project.
Date of decision
19 September 2008
Resolutions
The NZ Transport Agency Board:
- approves funding to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to investigate the Northern Access Package, including NZTA's SH74 Christchurch Northern Arterial project and Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) Drive project, at an estimated cost of $4.1 million from R funds, subject to the inclusion of a hold point in the project to allow Board endorsement of the macroscope of the Northern Access Package prior to any consultation;
- notes that the investigation includes optimisation and assessment of the Northern Access Package, and that this requires close collaboration amongst NZTA, Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury;
- notes that the construction cost for Northern Access Package is estimated at $223 million;
- notes the reasons for this decision are as set out in the Reasons for recommendation section; and
- agrees to take Board paper 08/09/0048 out of Committee when the Board has published the notice of decision.
Reason for the decision
Investigation of the NAP, NZTA's SH74 Christchurch Northern Arterial and QE2 Drive 4 laning projects is warranted because the package:
- contributes to the implementation of the compact settlement pattern of the UDS, which should contribute generally to GPS targets of passenger transport patronage growth and single occupancy vehicle reductions;
- will reduce travel times and improve reliability of travel on a route expected to be identified as critical in the northern part of Christchurch;
- will contribute to LTMA objectives relating to safety and public health by reducing traffic volumes through the residential Belfast area; and
- may directly result in more walking, cycling and public transport by reducing traffic volumes on Main North road and implementing dedicated infrastructure such as PT priority lanes.
While there is some concern that the additional road capacity from the package may increase single occupancy vehicle use, there is sufficient evidence of the positive contributions to GPS targets and LTMA objectives to recommend funding.
The assessment profile for the package has been determined as Medium seriousness and urgency, Medium effectiveness and Medium efficiency (MMM).
We confirm that the matters in sections 20(2) and 20(5) of the LTMA have been satisfied and that the matters in section 20(3) have been taken into account.
If you would like details of how the assessment profile for this activity was determined, please email us at boardsecretariat@nzta.govt.nz.
