Greater Wellington is the promotional name of the Wellington Regional Council

News release
16 April 2004
Friday 16 April

Greater Wellington reviews Transmission Gully Proposal

Greater Wellington Regional Council will review its options for the Transmission Gully and the region’s Western Corridor projects with the intention of achieving a final proposal to take to the Government by the end of this year.

This follows Transit New Zealand’s latest cost estimate for the project released today.

Regional Council Chairperson, Margaret Shields says she is disappointed at the high costs quoted by Transit New Zealand and the difficulties these created for the Regional Council, who were trying to move forward in finding a solution to reduce delays and secure a strategic route in and out of Wellington.

“I do not believe the costs need to be this high – we don’t need an autobahn in this country. We need a high standard highway, one which is more appropriate for, and better suited to, New Zealand conditions.”

Ms Shields said it is important now for the Regional Council and Transit to work closely on a means by which these estimates can be reduced and work advanced.

The Regional Land Transport Committee Chair, Terry McDavitt, also expressed concern over the high cost estimates, saying that the Council and its stakeholders must now urgently address the outstanding issues and quickly reach a conclusion on a proposal.

“Questions to be immediately answered include alternative designs and options, likely benefits and funding sources, and the potential impact of other transport solutions such as bus and rail services, traffic demand management and roading improvements.”

Cr McDavitt said the information required to answer these questions already exists.

“This will be considered by the Western Corridor Implementation Group (WCIG) who will advise the Regional Land Transport Committee, regarding the best option for the Western Corridor transport route, towards the end of this year.

ENDS

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