21 August 2015

Time for NZTA to work on alternatives to flyover

The High Court decision rejecting the New Zealand Transport Agency’s attempts to build the Basin Reserve flyover must now mean that NZTA finally works with the community on other options for transport solutions in Wellington, Grant Robertson and Annette King Labour’s Wellington MPs say.

“We welcome the Court decision. The exhaustive Board of Inquiry process rejected the flyover because the costs simply did not match the benefits. NZTA has only itself to blame for being in this position. They have failed to look properly at other options that would not have had the effect of seriously compromising the environment and heritage of our city as the flyover would have, “Grant Robertson says.

“We now need to focus on making the improvements to Wellington’s transport network that will enable traffic to flow freely. We urge NZTA to forget about expensive court battles, and get around the table with the community and develop sustainable and practical proposals. This should have happened long ago.” Annette King said.

“It’s important to acknowledge the community groups, including Save the Basin, the Architecture Centre and the local residents associations who have put some much time, effort and money into fighting the flyover. They deserve huge credit for their perseverance,” Grant Robertson says.

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