05 November 2015

Bishop welcomes Hutt Valley transport milestone

Chris Bishop is welcoming the start of construction of the Haywards Interchange project at the intersection of State Highway 2 and State Highway 58. The $43 million interchange will separate State Highway traffic from local traffic, reducing a bottleneck which has been the source of frustration for many Hutt Valley motorists.

Mr Bishop, the National List MP based in the Hutt Valley, joined Transport Minister Simon Bridges, NZ Transport Agency officials and Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy to turn the first sod to mark the start of construction.

“I was delighted to join Minister Bridges this morning as he turned the first sod. The Haywards Interchange project is a significant piece of transport infrastructure for the Hutt Valley,” Mr Bishop says.

Mr Bishop says people often raise the issues of traffic and safety at the Haywards interchange with him.

“The $43 million investment is important to ensure the safety of commuters travelling along the State Highway network at Haywards. By elevating State Highway 2, traffic will flow more smoothly and reduce the risk of crashes.

“This project is also good for the local economy, creating work for up to 800 contractors and suppliers. It forms part of a wider package of work which includes the proposed Petone to Grenada Link Road, the Wellington to Hutt Valley cycle link, the Upper Hutt station upgrade, the new Matangi trains, the Petone Park and Ride, and safety improvements to State Highway 58 and the Rimutaka Hill Road.”

“Along with other MPs I advocated for NZTA to consider cycling design improvements at the new interchange. Our success means that travel will be easier and safer for people who walk, cycle and take the train.

“Separate cycle paths, a new Park and Ride facility, and a pedestrian bridge to the railway station will all help to improve the safety of non-motorists.”

ENDS

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