Have your stay on top transport projects

People in the Wellington region are encouraged to have their say on what should be the new transport projects over the next three years.

A list of large new projects is included in the Proposed Regional Land Transport Programme 2009-2012, which is out for public consultation until Friday 24 April.

Fran Wilde, Regional Transport Committee Chair, said the list contained a mix of major roading and public transport improvements around the region, at an estimated total cost of more than $850m over 10 years.

“As buses, trains and roads are such a fundamental part of our everyday lives this proposed transport programme should be compulsory reading for everyone in the region. I strongly urge people to take a look at the list and let us know what you think.”

Top of the proposed list is the first stage of the new Western Link Road, from Waikanae to Paraparaumu. “This is considered to be the most important project in the region because of its potential to take traffic off the congested State Highway One, thereby making the road safer. The Western Link Road will also provide vital local connections that will enable many Kapiti motorists to avoid SH1 altogether.”

The upgrade of State Highway One around Basin Reserve, including committed bus lanes, and improvements to Adelaide Road, is second on the proposed list. “If we are serious about really enhancing public transport between Wellington City and the southern and eastern suburbs, then reducing traffic congestion and conflict around the Basin Reserve is imperative.”

Third on the proposed list is a package of improvements to the region’s rail network, including new trains over and above those currently on order, double tracking between Trentham and Upper Hutt, upgrades to railway stations, more commuter car parking, and network changes to improve reliability and frequency of trains.

Fran Wilde emphasised that the final decision on projects would be that of the New Zealand Transport Agency. However, the Regional Transport Committee was required to provide its priority list and this is what the community was being encouraged to scrutinise.

All households in the Wellington region have been sent a summary of the proposed Regional Land Transport Programme. Copies of the full document are available online, at Greater Wellington’s Wellington and Masterton offices, and public libraries throughout the region.