SH2 Melling improvements – investigation funding

Applicant

NZ Transport Agency

Purpose

To seek the Board's approval for funding the investigation of the NZ Transport Agency's project for improvements to the Melling intersection on SH2 in the Wellington region

Date of decision

27 February 2009

Resolutions

The NZ Transport Agency Board:

1. approves funding for the Investigation of the NZ Transport Agency's SH2 Melling Improvements project, at an estimated cost of $3.30 million from N funds, subject to:
   1. the NZ Transport Agency's Highway and Network Operations Group providing an assessment of the adjacent Kennedy Good intersection, as well as the intersections of local roads with SH2 between Melling and Kennedy Good;
   2. the Chief Executive requesting that Greater Wellington Regional Council provides an assessment to be incorporated into the Scheme Assessment Report of the value for money and impact on GPS target and LTMA objective achievement, resulting from the proposed relocation of the Melling railway station and associated rail line against other available passenger transport options for the Melling catchment; and
   3. a hold point being established during investigation following selection of the preferred option and before undertaking consultation prior to lodging of the Notice of Requirement, to enable the Board to consider the macroscope of this project;
2. notes that the construction cost for the project is estimated at $54 million, the 95th percentile construction cost is estimated at $78 million and the 5th percentile at $40 million;
3. notes the reasons for this decision are as set out in the Reasons for recommendation section; and
4. agrees to take Board paper 09/02/0147 out of Committee when the Board has published the notice of decision.

Reason for the decision

The assessment profile for this activity has been determined as being of high seriousness and urgency, high effectiveness and medium efficiency.

The project addresses a problem of high crash rates at the Melling intersection, and at the other local road intersections between Melling and Kennedy Good and north to the SH2/SH58 intersection. The proposed grade separation will give significant benefits for the SH2 route and for the local roads crossing SH2. A continuous local road connection on the West side of SH2 could be provided and cycle facilities will be improved.

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.