Media statement

29 July 2014

Certainty of Transmission Gully Motorway great news for Wellington

“Getting the green light for the Transmission Gully Motorway is a much needed shot in the arm for the Wellington region” says Fran Wilde, Chair of the regional Council and the Wellington Regional Transport Committee.

“A safe, reliable, resilient highway in and out of Wellington is imperative for the region’s and the nation’s productivity. Ensuring commuters can get to work on time and that freight can reach its destination as quickly as possible will help the regional economy immensely and contribute to a more efficient national freight route.

“We’re beginning to reap the benefit of major investment in passenger rail on the Kapiti line and rail freight on the main trunk line. Transmission Gully is the last link in an integrated transport network along this important corridor.

“Separating local traffic from highway traffic will mean quicker and safer journeys for all and will be welcomed by locals in Mana and Paremata who will be able to visit local shops without having to negotiate a state highway.

“Most importantly, Transmission Gully will be far more resilient than the current stretch of highway, particularly between Pukerua Bay and Paekakariki. In a major seismic event the coastal route would likely be cut off for up to 120 days whereas access through Transmission Gully could be restored in 30 days. This project provides the region and the nation with a very high degree of reliability that we have never before had”.

Fran Wilde says the Regional Council is responsible for ensuring that environmental issues around the construction of Transmission Gully Motorway are managed carefully and effectively. “There are many issues at stake here – for example there’ll be significant impacts on two regional parks and the Pauatahanui Inlet. We are working with all stakeholders on a package of mitigation and compensation measures to manage the effect of the road and contribute to the environmental values of these important parts of the region.”

© Scoop Media