27 May 2015

Huge support for Wellington to Hutt cycleway

Chris Bishop, National List MP based in the Hutt Valley, has welcomed the release of a consultation report on the proposed new Wellington to Hutt Valley Walking & Cycling Link.

The report summarises feedback from consultation and engagement carried out with key stakeholders, landowners, interested user groups and the general public. Nearly 800 submissions were received, with only three people opposing the project.

“Wellington and Hutt Valley residents have overwhelmingly backed the new cycleway. Many cyclists have told me that the current route next to State Highway 2 is dangerous, and puts people off cycling or walking/running to and from Wellington.

“A new safe and practical cycleway will help better protect cyclists, get more commuters fit and active, help reduce traffic pollution and congestion, and will also have resilience benefits. It’s also an important part of the Great Harbour Way project.”

Mr Bishop says it’s important the cycleway is seen in the context of a suite of transport projects to improve travel around the region. Other important projects include the Petone to Grenada link road, the Cross Valley Link, and safety improvements to State Highway 58.

The next steps are for a Detailed Business Case for the Walking and Cycling Link to be finalised and for the Transport Agency and its partners to agree on a preferred option. This is expected to happen in the next two to three months. Once this has happened, NZTA will begin preparing consent applications for the preferred option, expected to be lodged in 2016.

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